How much does it cost to send a small parcel to Germany?

The cost of sending a parcel to Germany depends on a few factors: the weight, dimensions, and shipping method you choose.

On average, you’ll pay between €7 and €15 for standard shipping with well-known carriers such as PostNL, DHL or DPD. Want faster delivery or extra insurance? Then the costs may be a little higher.

Different rates and options often apply to business shipments or larger parcels, but for standard shipping you can expect this price range.

In the rest of this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different shipping options, delivery times, and tips for shipping smart.

What is the cheapest way to ship to Germany?

If you want to send a parcel to Germany as cheaply as possible, there are a few smart choices you can make. In general, DHL, DPD, and PostNL are the cheapest options for standard parcels. With these carriers, you can send a small parcel for as little as around €7 to €10.

Want to save even more? Here are a few tips:

• Compare shipping rates – Websites such as MyParcel or SendCloud let you compare different shipping options and sometimes benefit from discounted business rates.
• Use a drop-off point – Parcels you drop off at a service point instead of having them picked up from home are often cheaper.
• Pay attention to the dimensions and weight – The more compact and lighter your parcel is, the less you pay. Sometimes a few centimeters or grams can already make a difference in the price.
• Choose standard shipping – Express delivery is convenient, but often much more expensive. Not in a hurry? Then choose the regular delivery time.

How much does shipping cost with each parcel service?

The cost of sending a parcel to Germany depends on the parcel service you choose.

Each carrier charges different rates, depending on the weight, dimensions, and desired delivery time. Below is an overview of the shipping costs for popular parcel services.

PostNL

PostNL generally charges between €9 and €13 for standard parcels to Germany, depending on size and weight. Standard delivery usually takes 2 to 4 business days. If you choose extra options such as insured shipping or a signature on delivery, you’ll pay a little more.

DHL

DHL shipping costs for a standard parcel to Germany start at around €8 to €12. Delivery takes an average of 2 to 3 business days. DHL often offers competitive rates through service points and business shipping platforms.

DPD

DPD is one of the more affordable options, charging an average of €7 to €11 for parcels to Germany. Delivery usually takes around 2 to 3 business days. Using a DPD Pickup Parcelshop can sometimes help you save extra costs.

UPS

UPS is often more expensive, but offers faster delivery times. Standard shipping usually costs €10 to €15, while express options can be considerably more expensive. Delivery takes 1 to 3 business days, depending on the service you choose.

GLS

GLS offers a good balance between price and speed, with rates starting at €8 to €12 for standard parcels. Average delivery time is 2 to 3 business days.

Want to save on shipping costs? Compare rates on shipping platforms or choose to drop off your parcel at a pickup point.

Which providers can you use to ship to Germany?

There are several parcel carriers you can use to send parcels to Germany. Each provider has its own rates, delivery times, and extra options. Below, we discuss the most commonly used shipping services.

Can you ship to Germany with PostNL?

Yes, PostNL offers shipping services to Germany, with rates starting at around €9 to €13, depending on the weight and size of your parcel. Average delivery time is 2 to 4 business days.

Want extra peace of mind? You can choose insured shipping or a signature on delivery for an additional fee.

Can you ship to Germany with DHL?

DHL is a popular choice for shipping to Germany. Prices start at around €8 to €12 for standard parcels. Delivery takes an average of 2 to 3 business days.

DHL often offers competitive rates if you drop off your parcel at a service point.

Can you ship to Germany with DPD?

DPD is known for its affordable rates. Shipping to Germany costs an average of €7 to €11. Delivery takes between 2 and 3 business days. DPD has an extensive network of pickup points, which is often an affordable option.

Can you ship to Germany with UPS?

UPS is a reliable, but often somewhat more expensive, option. Standard shipping costs range from €10 to €15, depending on the service. Delivery times vary from 1 to 3 business days. Faster express options are available, but can cost significantly more.

Can you ship to Germany with GLS?

GLS offers a good balance between price and speed. Shipping costs start at around €8 to €12, and the average delivery time is 2 to 3 business days.

Each shipping service has its own advantages. Is low-cost shipping your priority, or is speed more important? In the following sections, we’ll discuss which shipping option best suits your situation.

How long does it take on average for a parcel to arrive in Germany?

On average, it takes 2 to 4 business days for a parcel to be delivered from the Netherlands to Germany. This depends on the parcel service you choose, the shipping option, and any delays at customs or with the carrier.

Want your parcel to arrive as quickly as possible? You can choose express delivery, which often gets parcels delivered within 1 to 2 business days. This does cost more than standard shipping.

Delivery times can also be affected by busy periods, public holidays, or unforeseen circumstances such as strikes or bad weather. Want to know for sure where your parcel is? Then it’s always a good idea to choose a shipping option with track & trace.

What shipping options are available for parcels to Germany?

There are several ways to send a parcel to Germany, depending on your budget and how quickly it needs to arrive. These are the most commonly used options:

• Standard shipping – The most popular option, with a delivery time of 2 to 4 business days and the lowest costs.
• Express shipping – Want your parcel to arrive faster? With express delivery, it often arrives within 1 to 2 business days, but it does cost more.
• Registered shipping – Extra security with a signature on delivery, useful for valuable parcels.
• Insured shipping – Protection against damage or loss, especially useful for expensive or fragile goods.
• Delivery to a pickup point – Instead of home delivery, the recipient can collect the parcel from a pickup point. This can sometimes be cheaper.

For most packages, standard shipping is the best choice. In a hurry or looking for extra peace of mind? Then you can consider one of the other options.

Do I have to pay import duties or taxes for a package to Germany?

No, you don’t have to pay import duties or additional taxes for packages you send from the Netherlands to Germany. Both countries are part of the European Union, where goods can move freely. This means there are no customs fees, and your package will arrive at the recipient’s address without additional import charges.

There are some exceptions:

• Business shipments – If you’re selling goods to a customer in Germany as a business, you may need to take VAT rules into account, depending on the VAT thresholds in Germany.
• Prohibited or restricted goods – Some products, such as alcohol, tobacco or certain chemicals, may be subject to additional regulations.

So you don’t need to worry about import duties on standard packages. As long as you aren’t sending exceptional products, your package can be sent to Germany without any problems.

What can’t I send to Germany? (prohibited and restricted goods)

Although you can send most products to Germany without any problems, some goods are prohibited or restricted. This means you may not send certain products at all, while others are only allowed under specific conditions.

Prohibited goods

You may not send these products to Germany:

• Explosives, fireworks and weapons
• Drugs and narcotics
• Counterfeit items and illegal goods
• Live or dead (endangered) game and animal products such as ivory
• Radioactive and hazardous substances

⚠ Restricted goods

These products are allowed, but under strict conditions:

• Alcohol and tobacco – Limits or additional excise duties often apply.
• Food – Some fresh or perishable products are not allowed.
• Medicines – Only if they do not contain prescription-only substances.
• Batteries and electronics containing lithium-ion – Often need to be packaged in a special way.

Want to make sure your package is allowed? Always check the rules of your chosen carrier. They sometimes have additional restrictions. This helps you avoid delays or shipping problems.

Does it matter how I pack my package?

Yes, the right packaging is very important when shipping a package to Germany. Not only does it prevent damage, but carriers also have requirements for how a package must be packed. A poorly packaged parcel may be rejected or incur additional costs.

Important packaging rules

• Use a sturdy box – Choose a cardboard box that fits your product to minimize empty space.
  
  
• Protect the contents properly – Fill empty spaces with packing material (bubble wrap, foam or paper) to prevent items from shifting.
  
  
• Seal the box properly – Use sturdy tape and make sure the box is tightly closed, especially for heavier packages.
  
  
• Clear, legible address – Stick the shipping label on a flat side of the box and make sure it is easy to read.
  
  
• Special requirements for fragile or hazardous goods – Some products, such as glassware or batteries, have additional packaging requirements.

Want to make sure your package arrives safely? Always choose packaging that suits the contents and the carrier's shipping requirements. That way, you can avoid surprises along the way!

What products and tools do I need to ship efficiently to Germany?

A smooth shipping process starts with the right materials. Consider shipping labels to address packages correctly and address labels for extra clarity. Use blank labels or colored labels to keep your shipments organized.

A good label printer is essential for an efficient workflow. Whether you work with Zebra, Dymo or Brother labels, the right label size and type ensure quick processing. Warehouse labels help you keep your inventory organized.

With the right tools, you can ship packages faster and hassle-free. Browse the selection and choose what suits your shipping needs.