Importing forged wheels into Germany can be super smooth—or a total headache—depending on one thing: whether the paperwork and duty math were handled before the wheels hit the port.
Below is a practical, buyer-friendly walkthrough (the way a tuning shop, distributor, or procurement team would actually run it), covering documents, duties, and shipping—step by step.
Why this matters (and where most imports go wrong)
Most delays aren’t caused by “slow shipping.” They’re caused by:
- the wrong HS/CN code,
- missing invoice details (Incoterms, serials, values, freight split),
- surprise trade measures (yes, anti-dumping can apply),
- and unclear responsibility for customs clearance.
If that sounds familiar, this guide is for you.
Step 1: Confirm the product scope (it changes the duty risk)
Before anything is booked, the wheels should be clearly defined:
- Material (forged aluminum / forged magnesium)
- Use (road wheels for passenger cars, SUV, truck, off-road)
- Configuration (monoblock / 2-piece / 3-piece)
- New aftermarket vs. OEM supply
Why it matters: certain “aluminium road wheels” categories have been targeted by EU trade measures in the past, and the exact classification drives everything (duty rate, anti-dumping checks, and the data customs expects). For background on EU trade measures around aluminium road wheels, see the European Commission’s note here: <a href=”https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/news/eu-maintains-duties-aluminium-road-wheels-china-2023-01-19_en” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>EU maintains duties on aluminium road wheels from China</a>.
Step 2: Lock the HS/CN code (and don’t “guess”)
Wheels are commonly classified under HS 8708.70 (road wheels and parts/accessories thereof).
But Germany/EU clearance runs on CN/TARIC detail, not just 6-digit HS.
Best practice: classification should be confirmed by your broker or via the EU’s official resources (Access2Markets is the usual starting point):
<a href=”https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/tariffs-1″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>European Commission – Access2Markets (Tariffs)</a>.
If you’re importing from China and the wheels fall under the EU’s “certain aluminium road wheels” definition, anti-dumping duties may apply (separate from normal customs duty).
Step 3: Get your import identity ready (EORI + who files)
For Germany/EU import clearance, an EORI is used to identify the importer in customs systems.
If you already have an EU EORI, it’s typically used in ATLAS filings.
If you don’t want to file anything yourself (normal for B2B buyers), a customs broker / freight forwarder can handle the declaration—but the importer-of-record details still must be correct.
Official German customs info (EORI):
<a href=”https://www.zoll.de/EN/Businesses/Movement-of-goods/Import/Duties-and-taxes/EORI-number/Using-the-EORI-number/using-the-eori-number_node.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>German Customs (Zoll) – Using the EORI number</a>.
Step 4: Prepare the document pack (this is where delays are born)
For forged wheels, the “core” documents are straightforward—but they must be complete and consistent:
Must-have documents
- Commercial Invoice (with full buyer/seller info, invoice number, currency, unit price, total, Incoterms, and product description)
- Packing List (carton/crate count, net/gross weight, dimensions)
- Transport document: Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
- Import declaration data (your broker will file, but your invoice must support it)
If Incoterms aren’t shown clearly on the invoice, duty/tax responsibility can get messy fast. (Even carriers push this point.)
Small tip that saves real money: model the invoice so it matches customs logic:
- item value is clear,
- freight/insurance are shown (or clearly stated as included),
- and nothing “lumps” unrelated charges into the goods price.
Step 5: Understand the duty + VAT math (Germany-specific)
Germany import costs normally come in two layers:
- Customs duty (rate depends on classification and origin)
- Import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) — generally aligned with German VAT rates
Import VAT
Germany’s standard VAT rate is 19%, and import VAT is generally assessed on the customs value plus customs duty (and certain other costs depending on the case).
Good plain-language reference:
- <a href=”https://www.zoll.de/EN/Private-individuals/Postal_consignments_internet_order/Shipments-from-a-non-EU-country/Duties-and-taxes/Assessment-of-taxes-and-duties/assessment-of-taxes-and-duties_node.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>German Customs – Assessment of taxes and duties</a>
- <a href=”https://www.nrwglobalbusiness.com/de/investing-in-nrw/business-guide-to-north-rhine-westphalia/the-tax-system/import-tax” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>NRW.GLOBAL – Import turnover tax overview</a>
Anti-dumping (watch this one)
If your wheels fall under the EU measure for certain aluminium road wheels originating in China, an additional anti-dumping duty can be triggered.
This is exactly why classification + product definition should be locked early.
Step 6: Pick the shipping plan that matches your order size
Here’s the simple playbook most B2B buyers use:
Option A — Air freight (fast, expensive)
Used when:
- samples are needed,
- deadlines are tight,
- or a project is waiting on wheels to finish a build.
Downside: cost per wheel goes up quickly due to volumetric weight.
Option B — LCL sea freight (small to medium volume)
Used when:
- you’re not filling a container,
- you want controlled cost,
- and lead time is acceptable.
Risk: LCL requires strong packaging, because cargo is handled more.
Option C — FCL sea freight (large volume, best unit economics)
Used when:
- you’re moving steady volume into Germany or EU distribution,
- you want fewer handling points,
- you prefer predictable cost per unit.
Step 7: Choose Incoterms like a buyer (not like a shipper)
If you want fewer surprises, Incoterms should be decided upfront and shown on the invoice.
Typical B2B patterns:
- FOB: you control the freight (recommended if you already have a forwarder)
- CIF/CFR: supplier arranges the main leg, you handle import clearance
- DAP/DDP: convenient, but only if the landed-cost breakdown is transparent (and the importer-of-record details are clean)
If “DDP” is offered, the real question is: who is actually acting as importer of record and how will VAT be handled? That part should be clarified in writing.
Step 8: Don’t ignore road legality (Germany is strict)
Import clearance and road use are not the same topic—but buyers often mix them.
For aftermarket wheels in Germany/EU markets, approvals like ECE R124 (replacement wheels) are commonly referenced in industry discussions. A quick technical reference can be found here:
<a href=”https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/trans/main/wp29/wp29regs/old/r124e.pdf” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>UNECE Regulation No.124 (Replacement wheels) – PDF</a>.
This doesn’t replace your compliance check, but it’s a helpful anchor when your customers ask, “Can this be registered / used legally?”
Quick buyer checklist (copy/paste into your PO process)
Before shipping:
- HS/CN/TARIC classification was confirmed with your broker
- Invoice includes: Incoterms, invoice number, full addresses, clear wheel description, unit price, totals
- Packing list matches invoice (weights + cartons)
- Shipping mode was chosen (air / LCL / FCL) based on volume + deadline
- Duty/VAT and any trade measures were checked (especially for aluminium road wheels from China)
- EORI/importer details were confirmed
Wrap-up (and a simple way to avoid the common mistakes)
Importing forged wheels into Germany isn’t complicated—but it is detail-driven. If classification is confirmed early, invoice data is complete, and Incoterms responsibilities are clear, clearance is usually boring (which is the goal).
If you want, your wheel spec + target quantity + preferred Incoterms can be reviewed, and a “Germany-ready” document checklist can be provided (invoice fields, packing list format, and shipping terms that reduce duty/VAT disputes).
Reach out to FLEXIFORGED if a clean B2B workflow is needed—from CNC production to export documents and packaging that survives EU logistics.