A Guide to Importing, Exporting and Doing Business in Germany

Germany's flourishing economy and leading position in'export engine room of Europe', indicative of its
the global market make it an ideal choice forinfluential position in the EU as far as the export
importing, exporting and doing business. Thoseindustry is concerned. Export of goods from
interested in importing goods into Germany should beGermany is facilitated by a well organised system.
aware of the distinctive business traits in the GermanDocumentation required is not complex, and the time
market.involved and the costs incurred are at reasonable
Firstly, importers and exporters work closelylevels. Like the import industry, exports from
together in order to ensure compliance with allGermany are regulated by the laws of the trade
German and EU (European Union) import and exportpolicy established by the European Union. Export
regulations and requirements. Also, since the countrycertification requirements must be met.
is one of the most powerful EU members, a largeThe country's biggest export trading partners are
part of its trade portfolio deals with the other nationsmembers of the European Union. The other countries
of the European Union.that trade significantly with Germany include China,
EU standards and regulations are applicable to thethe US, Japan, Australia, South Africa, Canada, Brazil,
import and export processes in Germany. Alland South Korea.
members of the European Union have a commonWhen it comes to doing business in Germany, there
trade policy when it comes to importing goods fromare no doubts that the rewards can be high. An
other nations. The rules are fairly liberal, and importentrepreneur should, however, be familiar with the
licensing is not required with the exception of certainway in which business is conducted in Germany, in
goods such as agricultural items and those import andorder to maximise chances of success. Some points
export items which could affect public health orto bear in mind include the fact that Germans are
safety. There are also certain quotas that need to bevery particular about punctuality and appreciate detail.
maintained for a few listed countries, and theseThey prefer to avoid risks and appreciate plenty of
restricted quantities of imports from countries haveadvance notice - for meetings and conferences - and
to be strictly adhered to by those wishing to dothey generally keep business and personal issues well
business with Germany.separated. They also prefer having a lot of time to
Germany's highly competitive and well establishedmake a business decision and do not like to be
export industry has been growing impressively inrushed into things.
recent years. In fact, Germany is known as the