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Food & Beverage → Germany

Requires CE + EPR packaging registration + German VAT; food-contact items also need LFGB

Lead time 4-8 weeks
Cost range €2,000-8,000
HS code 2106
Duty rate 0-17%
VAT / tax 19%

Technical standards

Reference standards for this product category — verify applicability with your testing lab before export.

Standard No.OrganizationTitleYear
GB/T 18916.65-2024 GB/T 工业用水定额 第65部分:饮料 2024
GB/T 43268-2023 GB/T 进口冷链食品追溯 追溯体系通则 2023
GB/T 10645-2023 GB/T 电热食品烤炉分类和型号编制方法 2023
GB/T 43260-2023 GB/T 进口冷链食品追溯 追溯信息管理要求 2023
GB/T 43265-2023 GB/T 进口冷链食品追溯 追溯系统数据元 2023
GB/T 43198-2023 GB/T 食品包装用聚乙烯吹塑容器 2023
GB/T 42966-2023 GB/T 餐饮业反食品浪费管理通则 2023
GB/T 42967-2023 GB/T 机关食堂反食品浪费工作指南 2023

Required certifications

CertificationWhat it coversStatus
CE certification Mandatory when Machinery/LVD/EMC directives apply Required
EPR packaging registration VerpackG — LUCID registration required Required
WEEE registration Electronics require stiftung ear registration Conditional
LFGB Food-contact materials must comply with LFGB §30/31 Conditional
German VAT DE-prefixed tax ID required Required

Testing scope

Labeling requirements

Platform requirements

Common non-compliance risks

Frequently asked

Is German VAT required?
Yes. B2C sales require German VAT registration (DE-prefixed tax ID).
How do I register for EPR packaging?
Register on Germany's LUCID platform, about €100-500/year.
How much does CE certification cost?
Simple products €1,000-3,000; complex €5,000-15,000.
Must labels be in German?
Yes. Instructions, warnings and ingredients must be in German.
What happens without CE?
Customs detention, platform delisting, fines up to €50,000.

Same product, other markets

Full compliance report

Complete certification list, testing checklist and official source links — cross-verified with China-side requirements.