Germany remains the UK's largest European trading partner, with a wide range of high-quality goods including automotive components, machinery, electronics, chemicals, and consumer products regularly flowing into the British market. As Europe's largest economy and manufacturing powerhouse, Germany produces precision-engineered products that are in constant demand across UK industries.
At Tankel Logistics, we provide groupage (LTL) road freight from western Germany to the UK. We collect from the Cologne, Düsseldorf, Essen, Dortmund and Münster area and roughly 100 km around those cities, and our customs expertise helps navigate post-Brexit requirements. With our own fleet of 130+ vehicles and real-time tracking through our client portal, we ensure your cargo moves transparently from collection in Germany to delivery throughout the UK, maintaining the reliability that German exports are known for.
Benefits of importing from Germany
- Product quality and innovation: German manufacturing is renowned worldwide for precision engineering, innovative technology, and exceptional quality standards that UK businesses and consumers value.
- Established UK trade relationship: Despite Brexit changes, the long-standing commercial relationship between Germany and the UK means there are well-developed systems for facilitating trade.
- Economic powerhouse: As Europe's largest economy, Germany offers stability, scale, and sophistication in its export offerings, with products that meet the highest international standards.
Import service options
At Tankel Logistics, we provide tailored groupage (LTL) transport solutions to meet your shipping needs:
- Groupage freight (LTL): Cost-efficient shipping for smaller loads, combining multiple shipments into one truck.
- Warehousing and storage: Secure storage, inventory management, and cross-docking in our warehouses.
- Customs clearance assistance: Full import declarations, VAT processing, and compliance support to ensure smooth border crossings.
Taxes and duties on importing from Germany to the UK
Since Brexit, goods moving from Germany to the UK are subject to customs procedures. Key considerations include:
- VAT and duties: The UK applies 20% VAT on most imported goods, with some exceptions for essential products.
- HS code classification: Goods must be classified using the Harmonized System (HS) codes to determine applicable tariffs and VAT rates.
- EORI number: UK importers must have an Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number for customs clearance.
- Postponed VAT accounting (PVA): UK businesses can use PVA to defer VAT payments, improving cash flow.
Our customs team provides guidance on product classification and required documentation to ensure smooth clearance and avoid unexpected charges.
Step-by-step import guide
- Prepare your goods: Ensure proper packaging and labeling according to UK standards.
- Classify goods correctly: Use the correct HS code to determine duties and VAT.
- Obtain an EORI number: Required for customs processing in the UK.
- Prepare import documents: Submit an invoice, packing list, and any required certifications. This can be done by Tankel Logistics team if you don’t have the knowledge in-house.
- Transport: Your goods are collected and consolidated with other shipments for transport to the UK.
- UK entry: Goods clear UK customs with our support.
- Final delivery: We deliver to your specified UK location through our distribution network.
Why choose Tankel Logistics?
- Germany-UK expertise: Specialized knowledge of these key trade routes and requirements.
- Fast delivery: Groupage shipments from western Germany to the UK typically arrive in 2–3 days.
- Own fleet: We operate 130+ specialized vehicles ensuring reliable service and direct control.
- Customs expertise: Comprehensive support with both German export and UK import formalities.
- Real-time tracking: Monitor your shipment throughout its journey via our client portal, with live GPS tracking.
- Experienced drivers: All our drivers have 8+ years of experience for professional handling.
- End-to-end solution: Complete service from collection in Germany to final delivery in the UK.
