In short: To import from Bangladesh into Germany you need an EORI number, a commercial invoice, a packing list, a bill of lading or air waybill and — to use duty preferences — a valid statement on origin. Bangladesh has long had duty-free access to the EU for most goods; check the current rate for your product's HS code before you calculate prices.
The documents you need
- EORI number for your company (applied for at German customs)
- Commercial invoice with HS codes, values and delivery terms
- Packing list matching the cartons exactly
- Bill of lading (sea) or air waybill (air)
- Statement on origin from a REX-registered exporter, if you want to use EU tariff preferences
Customs duty and import VAT
Duty depends on the product's HS code and its origin. Under the EU's Everything But Arms (EBA) arrangement, goods originating in Bangladesh have been able to enter the EU duty-free, provided the origin rules are met. Bangladesh is moving out of the least-developed-country group, and the EU rules foresee a transition period afterwards — so always confirm the current situation for your HS code with your customs broker. Import VAT (in Germany usually 19%) is due in any case, but VAT-registered businesses can normally reclaim it.
FOB, CIF or DDP?
- FOB: the price covers the goods up to loading at the port in Bangladesh. You organise freight, insurance and import.
- CIF: the supplier also pays sea freight and insurance to the destination port. You handle import and onward transport.
- DDP: delivered duty paid — the goods arrive at your address with import handled. Simplest for you, but compare the total cost.
Lead times
Production usually takes 8–16 weeks after the pre-production sample is approved, depending on product and quantity. Sea freight from Chattogram to a North European port such as Hamburg typically adds several weeks including handling; air freight takes days but costs many times more. Plan buffer time around public holidays in Bangladesh, especially the Eid holidays, when factories close.
Product rules in the EU
Products sold in the EU must meet EU rules — for textiles, for example, the Textile Labelling Regulation (fibre composition) and REACH (restricted chemicals). Make these requirements part of your order and, where needed, request test reports from an accredited laboratory.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. For your specific product, ask a customs broker or your local customs office.
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