Making UPS UK to Germany shipments? You’ll need to know this important update 

If you’re shipping consignments valued over €10,000 from the UK to Germany with UPS, you need to know about an important update with AVASK, which took effect from 1 February 2025. 

What’s changing?  

The German Customs authority will require import duty and VAT payments before releasing high-value shipments. AVASK pay the authorities on your behalf – but this means longer customs clearance times, estimated at 2 to 3 days, and potential storage fees. 

How does this affect you, and what are the fees?  

AVASK can only transfer the payment to the authorities once we receive the clearance reference from German Customs.  For shipments valued above €10,000, you’ll be responsible for any storage fees incurred.

UPS charges the storage fee, which AVASK will pay on your behalf. Here’s the fee structure: 

• The first two days after arrival and registration at customs are not chargeable. 

• From the third day onwards, a fee of €6.00 (or €7.14 including 19% VAT) per package will be charged for each day until clearance is received. 

What are your options?  

You have four choices to manage this change: 

1. Continue using UPS: Be aware that any demurrage charges due to delays will be invoiced to you at cost by AVASK. 
2. Use UPS via France: Continue with UPS but send shipments through France instead. 
3. Switch transport providers: Consider using ATS or UPS SCS. 
4. Limit shipment values: Continue using UPS but keep shipment values under €10,000. Note that multiple daily consignments won’t be possible in this case. 

By planning ahead and choosing the best option for your business, you can minimise delays and avoid unexpected costs.