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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

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Germany
DE →
IntroGermany applies the EU Union Customs Code (UCC) through the Zoll (federal customs administration) and the ATLAS electronic filing system. National export controls sit with BAFA under the Foreign Trade & Payments Act (AWG/AWV). CBAM, EUDR and the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG) add layered due-diligence duties.
Primary authorities
  • Generalzolldirektion (Zoll)Customs entry, TARIC classification, excise, ATLAS filings.
  • BAFADual-use export licences, sanctions enforcement, embargo checks.
  • BundesnetzagenturRadio/telecom equipment conformity (RED).
  • BLE / BVLAgri, food, veterinary import authorisation.
Licensing regimes
  • Dual-use export licenceEU Reg 2021/821 Annex I items; BAFA ELAN-K2 portal. · BAFA
  • AWG military list licenceKriegswaffenkontrollgesetz (KWKG) war-weapons list. · BAFA/BMWK
  • EORI registrationMandatory for any customs declarant. · Zoll
  • CBAM declarant authorisationFrom Jan 2026 for iron/steel, aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, electricity. · DEHSt
Prohibited goods
  • · Goods from EU-comprehensive sanctioned jurisdictions (Russia Crimea/DNR/LNR/ZP/KH, Belarus specified, DPRK, Syria, Iran specified).
  • · Counterfeit and pirated goods (EU Reg 608/2013).
  • · Cat & dog fur, seal products (EU Reg 1523/2007, 1007/2009).
  • · Torture goods (EU Reg 2019/125).
Restricted goods
  • · Dual-use items (Reg 2021/821) and national D-list additions.
  • · Firearms and parts (EU Firearms Directive + national WaffG).
  • · CITES species and derivatives.
  • · Deforestation-linked commodities (EUDR Reg 2023/1115 - cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm, rubber, soy, wood).
Labelling requirements
  • · CE marking for regulated products (machinery, toys, PPE, medical, RED, EMC, LVD).
  • · German-language user information (Product Safety Act ProdSG §6).
  • · Food Information Regulation (EU 1169/2011) - allergens, origin, nutrition table in German.
  • · VerpackG packaging registration (LUCID) before first placement on market.
Sanctions overlay
  • · EU sanctions transposed via AWV; Russia packages 1 to 21 (21st package, 23 Jul 2026) (goods, services, financial).
  • · UK Sanctions List (FCDO) / OFAC screened at BAFA financial sanctions monitoring.
  • · Iran, DPRK, Syria, Belarus, Myanmar, Venezuela restrictive measures.
Dispute resolutionCustoms objections (Einspruch) to Zoll within one month; onward appeal to Finanzgericht. Arbitration under DIS Rules (Deutsche Institution für Schiedsgerichtsbarkeit) or ICC Paris. NY Convention party since 1961.
Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare import regulations between two countries?

Pick two to four countries above. The table lines up the customs authority, import licensing, VAT/GST rate, prohibited and restricted goods, sanctions overlays and dispute forums, with links to each official source.

Is this comparison legal advice?

No. It is decision support built from published government sources. Regulatory positions change often, so confirm every action with the named authority or licensed local counsel before you ship.

Where do I calculate the duty once I know the rules?

Use the Import Duty & VAT Calculator for a quick CIF-based estimate, or the Landed Cost Calculator for the full cost stack including freight, insurance and destination charges.

Next step: Import Duty & VAT Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.