HS 12Agricultural commodities · Germany

HS Code for Soybeans, Meal & Oil - Import into Germany

Duty and tax snapshot for importing agricultural commodities (HS 12) into Germany. Typical MFN duty ~5%, USt 19% on CIF + duty. Decision-support only - confirm the 10-digit line and preferential status with your broker.

Typical duty

USt

19%

Total taxes / CIF

24.9%

Worked landed-cost example

USD 50,000 FOB parcel of agricultural commodities (HS 12) shipped to Germany.

FOB valueUSD 50,000

Origin chargesUSD 750

FreightUSD 4,000

InsuranceUSD 250

CIFUSD 55,000

Import duty @ 5%USD 2,750

USt @ 19%USD 10,973

Destination inlandUSD 1,000

Landed cost ≈ USD 69,723

Run your own numbers in the Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

Sample HS codes

Code	Description
1201.10	Soya beans, seed
1201.90	Soya beans, other than seed
1507.10	Crude soya-bean oil, whether or not degummed
1507.90	Refined soya-bean oil
2304.00	Oil-cake and solid residues from soya-bean oil extraction (meal)

Germany duty regime

EU Common External Tariff (TARIC) - identical across all 27 member states. Preferential rates under 45+ EU FTAs (EU-Japan, EU-Korea, EU-Vietnam, EU-Canada CETA, EU-UK TCA). Anti-dumping and countervailing duties published by DG Trade. CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) applies from 2026 to steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity, hydrogen.

Customs notes

· EU customs uses 10-digit TARIC codes (8-digit CN + 2 EU statistical). Aligned to WCO HS at 6 digits.
· ATLAS is Germany's national import/export declaration system. Every import needs an EORI number.
· Customs value follows the Union Customs Code (Regulation 952/2013) - transaction value with prescribed adjustments.
· CBAM reporting is live since Oct 2023; financial adjustment from 1 Jan 2026 for CBAM goods. Importers must declare embedded emissions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the typical import duty on agricultural commodities (HS 12) into Germany?

Germany applies an MFN duty of about 5% on HS chapter 12 at the 6-digit line. National tariff schedules add 2–4 further digits, so the exact rate can shift once you confirm the 8- or 10-digit code. Preferential rates under FTAs (EU Common External Tariff (TARIC) - identical across all 27 member states) may reduce this to 0% for qualifying origins.

How is USt calculated on imports of agricultural commodities in Germany?

Germany charges USt at 19% on the CIF value plus duty. EU CET; 19% USt on CIF + duty

What is the landed cost of a USD 50,000 FOB shipment of agricultural commodities into Germany?

On a USD 50,000 FOB parcel with ~8% freight and 0.5% insurance, CIF works out to USD 55,000. Applying 5% duty and 19% USt brings total taxes to about USD 13,723 (~24.9% of CIF). Landed at buyer's warehouse ≈ USD 69,723.

Which HS code should I use for agricultural commodities in Germany?

Start with the 6-digit international HS heading - for example 1201.10 (Soya beans, seed). Germany customs then requires the full national code (8- to 10-digit national tariff line). Confirm the exact line with your licensed customs broker before filing.

Which Incoterm is best for shipping agricultural commodities to Germany?

Most importers into Germany prefer CIF or CFR for sea freight so the seller arranges main-carriage transport, while retaining control of destination clearance. DDP shifts import duty and USt to the seller - attractive to buyers but often priced with a risk premium. Compare all 11 Incoterms with our Landed Cost by HS & Country tool.

What documents does Germany customs need to clear HS 12?

EU customs uses 10-digit TARIC codes (8-digit CN + 2 EU statistical). Aligned to WCO HS at 6 digits. Regulated commodities may also require a health certificate, phytosanitary certificate or import licence depending on the exact HS line.