Cheapest Shipping to Germany From the UK

Germany’s booming eCommerce market is expected to reach over $98 Billion in 2024 and explode to over $146 Billion by 2029! While this is a huge opportunity for successful online stores looking for global growth, profitable international shipping can be complex.

Efficiently managing parcel delivery logistics from the UK to Germany can be crucial for small to medium-sized eCommerce businesses. Especially if you are aiming to reduce costs while maintaining customer satisfaction.

This quick guide focuses on identifying cost-effective strategies for international shipping, ensuring that business owners can meet growing customer expectations demanding lower prices and faster deliveries.

Explore the essentials of shipping to Germany, from selecting the best shipping options to understanding the hidden costs that can impact your bottom line.

Cheapest Shipping Costs from the UK to Germany

Shipping to Germany from the UK? You might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheapest shipping rates available, in this example, we are going to ship a small package from London to the German capital, Berlin.

We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers:

• Weight of package: 1KG
• Package dimensions: 30cm x27cm x4cm
• Contents for customs forms: Accessory (no-battery)
• Origin: London, UK
• Destination: Berlin, DE

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked each UK to Germany service for sending a package, based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers. While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to arrive at the shipping address, plus the type and quality of tracking available.

Shipping Services Compared

When it comes to shipping from the UK to Germany, different couriers offer varying benefits based on your needs, whether you're looking for the cheapest option, the best value, or the fastest service.

Cheapest Option: Evri - International Parcelshop

Evri's International Parcelshop service is the cheapest way to ship a parcel to Germany from the UK, costing just £11.13. Although it takes 9 to 11 working days for packages to arrive, this service is ideal for eCommerce businesses that prioritize cost savings over speed. The tracking is basic, but for non-urgent deliveries, this can be a very cost-effective solution.

Best Value: UPS Express Saver®

For businesses looking for a balance between cost, speed, and service quality, UPS Express Saver® is the best value option. For £12.19, you get a delivery time of just 1 working day with excellent tracking services. This is perfect for ensuring your customers receive their packages quickly, boosting customer satisfaction while keeping costs reasonable.

Fastest Option: UPS Express® and UPS Express Plus®

If speed is your priority, UPS Express® and UPS Express Plus® offer delivery within 1 working day. While the cost is higher, with UPS Express® priced at £22.19 and UPS Express Plus® at £52.19, these services ensure that your packages arrive swiftly and safely, with top-tier tracking to keep your customers informed.

International Shipping to Germany from the UK: Customs

Understanding customs regulations is critical for international shipping, as they can significantly impact delivery times and costs. When shipping to Germany, you must be aware of the customs declaration form requirements, prohibited and restricted items, and potential additional costs. Fortunately, Easyship offers tools that simplify these complexities, helping you manage international shipments with ease.

Customs Declaration Forms

When shipping from the UK to Germany, a customs declaration form must be completed. This form provides German customs with information about the contents, value, and purpose of the package. Accurate and complete information is essential to avoid delays, fines, or package returns. 

Easyship makes this process seamless with our Create Customs Documents tool, which automatically generates all necessary shipping labels, packing slips, and customs declarations for you. You only need to print what the courier requires, saving time and reducing errors.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Germany, like all EU countries, has a list of prohibited and restricted items that cannot be shipped or require special permissions. Common prohibited items include certain hazardous materials, perishable goods, and counterfeit products. 

Easyship's platform keeps you informed of the latest regulations, ensuring compliance and preventing your packages from being seized or destroyed by German customs.

Additional Costs

While economy shipping services may offer the lowest base rates, be mindful of any additional costs such as customs duties, taxes, and handling fees. These can vary depending on the value of the package and the specific items being shipped. 

Easyship’s Tax and Duty Calculator tool helps you automatically calculate these costs for international sales, ensuring compliance and avoiding unexpected fees or delays. 

Additionally, you can use Easyship’s Pre-pay Customs Duty & Tax option to improve customer satisfaction by reducing delivery lead times. By pre-paying duties and taxes at the time of shipment creation, you ensure smoother and faster delivery for your customers.

Finally, to further safeguard your shipments, Easyship offers the Insure Shipment option. This feature allows you to insure your packages at reasonable rates, providing peace of mind. If anything goes wrong, claims are easy to submit and are processed quickly, minimizing disruptions to your business.

By using Easyship’s tools, you can streamline the customs process, reduce additional costs, and ensure your packages arrive in Germany without unnecessary delays or complications.

Find the Cheapest Way to Send a Package with Easyship

Easyship is the top shipping and logistics company working with a network of over 250 couriers worldwide. This has put us in a position to negotiate some of the best shipping discounts with leading couriers, and we can help you reduce your shipping expenses by up to 91%.

We also offer a range of easy-to-use shipping tools, to help streamline your shipping experience and delight your buyers. Popular features include:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: You can use our shipping rate calculator to compare shipping rates from different carriers
• Comparison Tool: With our courier comparison tool, you can compare the different shipping services offered by each courier, allowing you to choose your cheapest way to ship based on other factors, not just the cost
• Insurance: To help keep your packages safe in transit, Easyship offers you insurance up to $10000
• Tracking: From custom-branded tracking emails to automatic message alerts, Easyship helps you maintain package visibility with your buyers throughout the delivery process

Summary

Shipping from the UK to Germany can be cost-effective with the right strategy and tools. Whether you choose the cheapest option with Evri, the best value with UPS Express Saver®, or the fastest service with UPS Express®, understanding your shipping options and the associated costs is key to success. By leveraging Easyship’s platform, you can compare shipping rates, optimize your logistics, and ensure your eCommerce business thrives in Germany's booming market.

Start shipping to Germany today and take advantage of the opportunities in one of Europe's largest economies. With the right courier services and careful planning, your packages will arrive on time, satisfy your customers, and keep your shipping costs under control.

FAQs

How much does it cost to ship something from the UK to Germany?

The cost to ship something from the UK to Germany can vary depending on the courier service you choose, the package weight, dimensions, and the desired delivery speed. For example, Evri - International Parcelshop offers one of the cheapest postage options, with rates starting around £11.13 for a small parcel, but delivery can take 9-11 working days. 

For faster delivery, UPS Express Saver® provides next-day delivery at approximately £12.19. If you need premium services, DHL Express offers reliable and quick delivery, though at a higher cost. Use tools like Parcel Monkey to compare rates and find the best price for your shipment.

What is the cheapest shipping to Germany?

The cheapest option ship to Germany from the UK is currently Evri - International Parcelshop, with a cost starting at £11.13 for a small package. This service typically takes 9-11 working days to deliver. 

However, if you need a balance between cost and delivery time, consider UPS Standard®, which costs around £11.19 and delivers in 3 working days. It’s important to consider both the price and the transit time when choosing a courier.

Do you pay import duty from UK to Germany?

Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, you may have to pay import duty when shipping to Germany. The duty is calculated based on the value of the goods and the country of origin. However, there are thresholds below which no duties apply. 

For example, gifts worth less than €45 are typically duty-free. Keep in mind that some additional costs like VAT may also apply. It’s crucial to fill out the customs declaration form correctly to avoid delays or additional fees. International couriers like FedEx International Economy and DHL Express can assist with customs processing, but you should still be aware of potential duties.

How long does a package take from the UK to Germany?

The shipping time for a package from the UK to Germany depends on the carrier and the service level you choose. UPS Express Saver® and DHL Express offer next-day delivery options, while UPS Standard® takes about 3 working days. 

Economy services like FedEx International Economy and Evri - International Parcelshop may take between 2-11 working days. Transit times can also be affected by factors like package weight, the destination town name, or even specific details like the street name and house number.

Why is shipping to Germany so expensive?

Shipping to Germany can seem expensive due to several factors, including dimensional weight calculations, additional costs like import duties, and the distance between the origin and destination. International couriers often charge higher rates for expedited services like DHL Express or UPS Express Plus®, which offer faster transit times. 

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