Germany sourcing program
Treat Germany as a compliance-led EU entry market: buyers need GPSR traceability, CE evidence where applicable, and a customs/VAT model that assumes formal import scrutiny rather than low-value parcel shortcuts.
Strong fit for retailers, chain operators, and brand owners searching for sourcing from China to Germany, GPSR and CE readiness, and import planning built around EU customs rules.
For Germany, compliance is part of the buying decision before price: GPSR, CE, REACH, RoHS, VAT, and customs all shape the landed model.
- Retailers
- Chain stores
- Brand owners
Plan around EORI, customs declarations, and product compliance checks. The EU formally approved the removal of under-€150 customs-duty relief on February 11, 2026, with an interim €3-per-item system from July 1, 2026.
Compliance is the moat
GPSR applies from December 13, 2024, and CE marking is only valid for products covered by harmonized EU rules.
Low-value shortcuts are fading
On February 11, 2026, the Council formally approved the end of under-€150 customs-duty relief, with an interim €3-per-item system starting July 1, 2026.
The documentation stack is mature
EORI, REACH, RoHS, WEEE, and importer traceability create a repeatable import workflow for serious EU buyers.
- Confirm whether the SKU is covered by harmonized EU rules and needs CE marking.
- Build the declaration of conformity and technical documentation where required.
- Map GPSR, REACH, RoHS, and WEEE obligations by product category.
- Secure EORI and define the EU importer-of-record structure.
- Verify origin, HS classification, and landed-cost assumptions for Germany.
- Update pricing and margin models for VAT and the 2026 customs-duty reform.
GPSR is already live
Regulation (EU) 2023/988 applies from December 13, 2024, so safety, traceability, and marketplace incident handling are current obligations.
EUR-Lex GPSRLow-value duty relief is ending
The Council formally approved the removal of under-€150 customs-duty relief on February 11, 2026. An interim €3-per-item-category duty applies from July 1, 2026 until the new customs data hub is operational.
Council of the EUCE is conditional, not universal
The EU explains that CE marking only applies to products covered by harmonized EU rules, and the declaration plus technical file must be retained for at least 10 years.
Your Europe CE markingChemicals obligations stay importer-led
REACH affects EU manufacturers, importers, and downstream users, and substances at one tonne or more per year must be registered with ECHA unless an only representative is appointed.
Your Europe REACH FAQ- Choose a partner who can read both product compliance and customs data, not just freight terms.
- Ask how they handle CE evidence, test reports, and technical-file retention.
- Verify they understand Germany-specific importer responsibilities and EU-wide customs rules.
- Prefer teams that can revisit landed-cost models as the EU small-parcel duty reform lands.