Customs Clearance Dry Ice & Frozen Goods for Germany
Our customs team manages the complete customs clearance for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods to and from Germany. AEO-F certified, experienced with the specific permits, certificates, and origin documents for this combination.
For Dry Ice & Frozen Goods between the Netherlands and Germany require attention on multiple fronts. On one side, product-specific rules apply for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods (HS codes, certificates, possibly DGR). On the other side, the trade regime between the EU and Germany (EU) determines which import duties and origin documents apply.
On this page you will find the combination: what specifically applies to Dry Ice & Frozen Goods, plus what applies specifically to Germany, plus how Aircargo.nl handles this combination daily.
Germany is EU-lidstaat. Voor Dry Ice & Frozen Goods binnen het EU-grondgebied geldt vrij verkeer — geen formele douaneaangifte vereist. Wel: een correcte handelsfactuur met BTW-nummer (VIES-validatie) voor 0% BTW intracommunautaire levering, plus eventuele productspecifieke regels (zoals fytosanitair voor planten, veterinair voor vlees/vis).
Specific Rules for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods
Dry ice shipments involve two parallel tracks: the hazardous material side and the goods side. The dry ice itself (UN1845) is not fiscally taxed but requires DGR compliance. The underlying goods determine customs treatment: fresh fish and meat undergo veterinary and phytosanitary inspections by the NVWA, pharmaceuticals fall under GDP and IGJ regulations. Food products from third countries nearly always require a health certificate and NVWA notification. Our AEO-F status reduces customs interventions, but veterinary inspections remain independent.
HS Code Examples:
The HS code follows the underlying goods, not the dry ice. Fish: 0303 frozen fish, 0306 crustaceans and shellfish. Meat: 0202 frozen beef, 0207 frozen poultry. Ice cream: 2105.00. Pharmaceuticals: chapter 30. Dry ice itself falls under 2811.21 (carbon dioxide), but as coolant it is generally not declared separately.
Specific Rules for Germany
EU member state, so no customs declaration required for goods freely moving within the EU. Relevant for air freight routes via Schiphol: for exports outside the EU from the Netherlands, Germany is often a transit country or last-mile destination. The VAT reverse charge scheme between the Netherlands and Germany supports cash flow for B2B transactions.
Typical Documents:
No customs documents required for intra-EU traffic. However: commercial invoice with VAT number and VIES validation of the buyer is needed for 0% VAT intra-community supply.
Import Duties and Charges for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Germany
Import duties follow the underlying goods. Frozen fish: typically 0-12% depending on type and origin, often 0% under trade agreements. Frozen meat: 0-12% plus possible tariff quotas. Pharmaceuticals: usually 0% under the Pharmaceutical Tariff Elimination Agreement. Dry ice as coolant carries no separate import duties. VAT in the Netherlands: 9% for food and medicines, 21% for others.
Under which regime: Germany falls under “EU.” Origin document for preferential tariff: geen. We calculate exactly what you owe in advance and prepare the correct origin document.
Our ACE license (Authorized Consignee) allows frozen shipments to come directly from Schiphol into our controlled environment, crucial for an unbroken cold chain. For pharmaceutical frozen goods, we utilize the TST license for temporary storage under suspension of duties during batch release.
Dry Ice & Frozen Goods falls under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. DGR class: Class 9 — UN1845 (Carbon Dioxide, solid / dry ice). For shipments to Germany, we verify in advance which airlines accept DGR and which packing group/UN number applies to your specific shipment.
Key Figures Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Germany
Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Germany
How long does customs clearance take for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods from Germany?
With correct documentation, clearance typically occurs within a few hours at Schiphol. For Germany shipments, we use Immediate — no customs declaration as a benchmark. For Dry Ice & Frozen Goods, additional inspections (phytosanitary, veterinary, NVWA) may require extra time — we notify you in advance to minimize waiting times.
What documents do I need for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Germany?
For Dry Ice & Frozen Goods: see the product-specific certificates above. For Germany: see typical documents above. The combination means we gather both sets and coordinate them. You provide commercial invoice, packing list, and any certificates — we validate and prepare the declaration.
Can I pay import duties for this flow in a grouped manner?
Yes. Under our DPO permit (Deferred Payment Option), you can pay import duties and VAT for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods from Germany collectively — monthly instead of per shipment.
Which origin document do I use for preferential tariff?
geen. We prepare this document under our authorization as customs agents, provided the origin rules (including product-specific rules for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods) are met.
How does your service work in practice?
We handle the entire process: pre-declaration (Pre-Lodgement), import declaration (DMS), any NVWA notifications for Dry Ice & Frozen Goods, and payment processing under DPO if desired. You get a single point of contact for the whole clearance.
Ready for customs clearance of Dry Ice & Frozen Goods Germany?
Send us your shipment details for customs clearance of Dry Ice & Frozen Goods to Germany. We respond within 4 hours with a fixed price.