Shipping from China to Germany: times, customs & tracking
How long parcels take, what customs expects, and how to track every step of the journey.
Typical delivery times
| Service | Working days |
|---|---|
| Economy (Cainiao / AliExpress Standard) | 15–35 |
| E-commerce express (YunExpress, 4PX) | 8–18 |
| Premium express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | 3–7 |
| Last mile (Deutsche Post / DHL Paket) | +1–3 |
Customs & duties
As in the rest of the EU, marketplaces collect 19% VAT at checkout on orders up to €150 (IOSS); above that, customs adds import VAT and duties plus a handling fee. DHL/Deutsche Post clears postal imports at Frankfurt.
Tracking tips
Once the parcel lands, Germany is fast — Frankfurt customs is the variable. A “Verzollung” (clearance) status can last 1–3 days before DHL Paket takes over.
FAQs — China to Germany
How long does China to Germany shipping take?
Economy 15–35 days; e-commerce express 8–18; premium express 3–7, plus customs time.
Who delivers inside Germany?
Deutsche Post and DHL Paket cover most imports; DPD and GLS handle part of the e-commerce volume.
Will I pay Zoll (customs) on a parcel from China?
Orders up to €150 on marketplaces include VAT (IOSS); above €150 expect import VAT plus duties and a handling fee from DHL/Deutsche Post.