Import Regulations – Germany

Bilateral trade links between Australia and Germany are firm, but greatly in Germany's favour. Australia and Germany have a lot of bilateral agreements to promote commercial activity covering double taxation, social security and reciprocal banking arrangements. Germany suggests Australian companies many commercial opportunities as a gateway into Central and Eastern Europe. Australian companies can make useful contacts at trade fairs through which more than 90 per cent of new products and technologies are introduced into the German market.

Australian exporters supply German market with fruit, including pears, apples, citrus fruits (Navels and easy peelers) and cherries seasonally (from September to May). The chain management of the supply is tightly controlled. Limited opportunities also exist for high-quality seafood exports to Germany.

Import restrictions
The following items originating in Australia need specific import licences:
• textiles;
• certain foodstuffs;
• a range of agricultural products.
Imports are subject to quantitative restrictions. The validity period is 6 months. Specific import regulations apply to products under monopoly control, eg. medicines.

Labelling and marking
In general, goods must be marked or labelled to show the manufacturer's name, country of origin, content and quantity in metric units. Labelling on prepacked foods must indicate in German the following information:
• the product's trade name;
• the name of the producer, packer or EC distributor;
• a list of the ingredients in order of prominence;
• the net weight;
• the minimum shelf life.

Besides, the labelling must correspond with EU regulations and has to be clarified in each individual case.

Documentary requirements
Pro forma invoice may occasionally be requested by the importer. A minimum of 2 copies is required. There is no prescribed form of commercial invoice. It must contain:
• the name and address of both buyer and seller;
• description of the merchandise (including HS description);
• net and gross weight;
• number of containers;
• method of packing;
• marks and numbers;
• insurance;
• freight;
• FOB value.