AliExpress Germany Guide: Customs, Shipping & Smart Buying Tips

Importing goods from China to Germany has fundamentally shifted with the IOSS system, but the confusion around “Zoll” (customs) remains the number one barrier for new buyers. The days of gambling on whether your package gets stuck at the Leipzig customs hub are largely overif you know which boxes to tick.

In late 2025, AliExpress acts less like a distant marketplace and more like a local competitor to Amazon, offering 10-day shipping and prepaid taxes. However, strict German regulations on imports and selling mean you cannot just click “buy” (or “sell”) without understanding the rules. Here is your practitioner’s guide to navigating the platform safely.

The Realities of Shipping: Speed vs. Cost

The single biggest mistake German buyers make is choosing the default “Economy” shipping to save a few cents. In 2025, the logistics landscape is divided into clearly defined tiers. Understanding these can save you weeks of waiting.

• The Winner (AliExpress Choice): This is the consolidated logistics option. Shipping averages 10 to 20 days. Because these items are pre sorted in Alibaba’s warehouses, they fly through customs faster.
• The Standard (Standard Shipping): Expect 14 to 25 days. Reliable, usually trackable via DHL or Hermes once in Germany.
• The Gamble (Cainiao Economy): Only use this for items you don’t need until next month. Transit times stretch 30 to 50 days and tracking often stops at the Chinese border.
• The Express (EU Warehouses): Check if the item ships from a warehouse in Poland, Spain, or France. Delivery to Germany takes just 5 to 10 days with zero customs risks.

Practitioner Tip: Always filter your search by “Choice” or “Plus.” The slight price difference pays for itself by avoiding the “lost package” headache common with untracked economy mail.

The Tax Truth: Zoll & IOSS Explained

German customs (Zoll) are notoriously strict, but the Import One Stop Shop (IOSS) system has simplified the process for orders under €150. Here is exactly what you pay in 2025:

Scenario A: Order Value Under €150
AliExpress automatically collects the German VAT (19% or 7%) at checkout. You pay the final price on the screen. The package arrives at your door without you paying the postman or dealing with customs paperwork. This covers 90% of purchases.

Scenario B: Order Value Over €150
AliExpress will not collect VAT at checkout. When the package arrives in Germany, the carrier (usually DHL) will charge you the 19% Import VAT plus specific customs duties (Zollsätze) based on the product type. You will also likely pay a service fee (Auslagenpauschale) of around €6 to the carrier.

Future Outlook: Be aware that the EU decided in late 2025 to abolish the €150 duty free threshold. While this new 3-tier duty system won’t go live until July 2026, it’s worth keeping in mind for long-term purchasing planning.

Payment Methods: Why PayPal is King

Trust is the main currency in cross border shopping. For German customers, the available payment methods have expanded significantly to match local habits.

• PayPal: The recommended method. Since late 2024, there are no extra fees for German buyers, and you get robust buyer protection if the item arrives damaged or fake.
• Klarna: Yes, you can buy now and pay later (Rechnungskauf) or use installments. This is massive for cash flow management on larger electronics orders.
• Cards & Wallets: Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, and Apple Pay are standard.

If you are looking for tech deals but want to compare prices locally before committing to international shipping, check our guide on Playstation Prices in Germany.

How to Order Safely (Step-by-Step)

1. Account Setup: Download the verified app (links below) and set your shipping location to “Germany” and currency to “EUR.”
2. The Filter Game: Don’t just browse. Search for your item and immediately filter by “4 stars & up” and “Free Shipping.” If you are browsing for fashion, compare the styles with other cheap clothing sites in Germany to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
3. Check the Seller: Ignore sellers with less than 90% positive feedback. Look for photos in the “Feedback” section to see what the item looks like in real life, not just the studio render.
4. Checkout: Ensure the VAT line item appears in your breakdown (for items under €150). If it’s missing, you might get charged double at the border.

Can You Sell on AliExpress from Germany? (The Reality Check)

There is a persistent myth that anyone can open an AliExpress shop. Let’s correct that. As of late 2025, private individuals cannot sell on AliExpress from Germany.

To become a seller, you must operate a registered business (GmbH, UG, or registered sole trader). You will need:

• A valid German trade license (Gewerbeanmeldung).
• A VAT identification number (USt IdNr.).
• A verified Alipay Business account.

The platform charges between 5% and 8% commission depending on the category. If you are a private seller looking to move goods, local flea markets or eBay are better options. For businesses looking to scale, you might also want to consider Amazon FBA Germany as a powerful alternative.

Customer Service & Contacts

Don’t expect phone support. There is no direct German hotline, and numbers with (408) area codes connect to US corporate offices, not support staff.

The fastest way to get help: Use the 24/7 Live Chat in the app. You will start with the ‘Eva’ bot, but typing “live agent” repeatedly will eventually connect you to a human. For email inquiries, use [email protected], but be prepared for slow response times.

Download the Official App

Always use the official app to ensure your payment data is encrypted. Avoid third-party APK sites.

Android: Google Play Store
iOS: Apple App Store