Ship parcels to Germany

Germany (EU, VAT 19%) is one of the busiest destinations. German customs (Zoll) is efficient but very strict on documentation and certain content.

Prohibited items: Germany has zero tolerance for any Nazi or extremist paraphernalia – any materials glorifying the Nazi regime or hate propaganda are illegal to import. Don't ship anything that could remotely fall in that category (even historical collectibles can be problematic if they bear banned symbols). Medications and supplements are also tightly regulated; many over-the-counter supplements in Canada (like certain herbal or vitamin supplements) might be considered medicines in Germany and stopped. Weapons: Germany bans not just firearms but also many types of knives (switchblades, knuckles, etc.) and pepper spray unless it's clearly marked for animal defense.

Customs/duties: Follows EU rules: a €45 gift allowance; the €150 duty exemption ended in July 2026. One quirk: foodstuffs over 20 kg from certain countries can't be cleared in personal shipments but it's unlikely you'd send such bulk. If sending any food, keep it small and commercially packaged. For a full walkthrough of import VAT, gift limits and what Zoll restricts, read our Germany customs and VAT guide for parcels from Canada.

Delivery: Provide the recipient's email and phone; couriers in Germany often email for customs duty payments (if any) prior to delivery. Shipping to Germany is fast, often ~4-6 days after clearing customs to major cities like Berlin or Munich. Ensure the address is precise; include any c/o names if shipping to an apartment.