Berlin Airport - Spedition & Zollagentur

Berlin Airport Customs Clearance

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) serves as a premier international gateway connecting Germany to destinations worldwide. PUREPROGRESS facilitates efficient air customs clearance for time-sensitive shipments, valuable goods, and international commerce. Our specialized clearance protocols accommodate various cargo types including perishables, technical equipment, and regulated items. With our dedicated customs team handling all documentation and import regulations, we ensure timely and compliant processing. BER’s strategic location makes it a crucial transit point between Eastern and Western Europe, continuing the historic role established during the Berlin Airlift.

Our Services Include :

Customs Compliance and Expertise

Navigating the complexities of German customs regulations to ensure smooth and timely clearance.

Expert Documentation Handling

Seamless management of all necessary paperwork to ensure compliance with regulations.

Safe and Reliable Transport

Safe and reliable transport solutions for both goods and vehicles, locally and internationally.

Personalized Support

Dedicated assistance throughout the customs clearance process, offering guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Air Customs Requirements for Vehicle Shipment

To prepare the customs documents for your vehicle being shipped by air, we require as much information as possible in advance via email. Please send the following:

Scan of the Swiss vehicle registration document
Scan of the invoice or purchase contract
Payment confirmation or receipt (if available)
Valuation report (e.g., EUROTAX vehicle valuation)
List of defects (if available)
Air Waybill (AWB) – this is specific to air freight and serves as a receipt for the shipment
Commercial invoice with detailed description of the vehicle

Additionally, please provide the following details:

Expected date of arrival at destination airport
Departure and destination airports
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Manufacturer’s declaration of preferential origin or original import customs receipt (if applicable)
Dimensions and weight of the vehicle (crucial for air freight)
Hazardous materials declaration (for fuel, batteries, etc.)
Proof that fuel tank is less than 1/4 full (safety requirement for air transport)

The key differences for air customs compared to road customs are:

Air Waybill requirement instead of border crossing information
More stringent safety requirements (fuel limits, battery declarations)
Weight and dimension specifications (critical for air cargo loading)
Airport information instead of border crossing locations

TAX CALCULATOR LINK WILL BE HERE

Customs Clearance Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide

The time required to complete air customs clearance for a vehicle is typically longer than road customs, averaging 2-3 business days due to additional security inspections and documentation verification. Once your documents are ready, you will receive step-by-step instructions by email.

Here’s the process in brief:

Submit all original documentation to the freight forwarder at least 72 hours before departure
Ensure vehicle preparation meets air transport requirements (fuel level, battery disconnection, etc.)
Deliver vehicle to air cargo terminal at the designated time slot
Complete export clearance with customs at the departure airport
Vehicle will undergo security screening and loading procedures
Upon arrival at destination airport, the vehicle enters a bonded warehouse
Complete import customs declaration at destination customs office
Pay import duties and taxes at the customs cashier
Arrange for vehicle collection after customs release
Complete post-customs inspection if required by local transportation authority

The key differences from road customs are the longer timeframe, pre-shipment documentation requirements, security screening procedures, and the need to work with freight forwarders who coordinate with airline cargo services.

FAQs

Can I handle customs clearance myself, or do I need service?

Technically, you can handle customs clearance yourself, but it can be complicated and time-consuming, especially when it comes to understanding the correct tariff codes. If you enter the wrong tariff code, it could result in penalties. Therefore, it’s often more efficient and risk-free to work with a customs agency, as we are well-versed in the process and ensure compliance with all regulations.

What are the customs clearance costs for importing a car to Germany?

Customs duties for importing a vehicle to Germany are typically 10% of the purchase price, plus 19% VAT on both the vehicle value and the customs duties. For example, a vehicle valued at CHF 11,000 (EUR 10,225) would incur approximately EUR 3,188 in total import duties (customs duties + VAT). Additionally, notional freight costs of EUR 150 are also subject to VAT.

Customs clearance services are usually charged at EUR 235 (or CHF 250), covering both Swiss export and German import procedures. Discounts may apply for multiple or regular imports.

How long is it to create a document?

Customs clearance typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity. To ensure a smooth process and avoid delays, please send us all documents at least one week in advance. This allows time for any additional document requests and helps save on customs duties and waiting times at the border.

How long does the on-site processing takes?

The time required for customs clearance is usually 10-20 minutes, depending on whether you print the documents yourself or pick them up at the border. The process may vary slightly based on the customs office’s workload.

What should I do if additional documents are requested during customs clearance?

If any required documents, such as invoices, packing lists, or contracts, are missing, they must be submitted separately. It’s not uncommon for some documents to be overlooked, but they will need to be sent to the customs agency for processing, so customers would need to ask PUREPROGRESS to make the additional documents.