Resending a smartphone repaired in Jordan: “Vorübergehende Einfuhr” (temporary import) and proof of repair

Resending a repaired smartphone from Jordan to Germany: “Vorübergehende Einfuhr” and proof of repair

When a smartphone is sent from Germany to a non-EU country (e.g. Jordan) for repair and then shipped back to Germany, it may be possible to use the “Vorübergehende Einfuhr” (temporary importation) procedure. This can help you avoid paying additional customs duties and import VAT, provided that you can present proper proof of repair when the phone re-enters Germany.

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1. What is “Vorübergehende Einfuhr” (temporary import)?

• “Vorübergehende Einfuhr” is a customs procedure that allows goods to be brought into Germany temporarily without payment of customs duties or import VAT, on the condition that they are re-exported after the intended purpose has been fulfilled.

• It is used, among other things, for devices that are sent abroad for maintenance or repair and then returned to Germany for continued use.

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2. Conditions for using temporary import for a repaired smartphone

To benefit from the temporary import procedure for a repaired smartphone, the following conditions usually apply:

• You must be able to prove that the smartphone was sent abroad specifically for repair or servicing.

• The phone must be re-imported within a defined time period, typically up to 6 months.

• You need to provide documentation that shows the date on which the phone was sent out and the details of the repair (e.g. repair report or repair invoice).

• When the phone is brought back into Germany, you must submit a customs declaration stating that you wish to use the “Vorübergehende Einfuhr” procedure.

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3. Required proof of repair

To demonstrate that the device is returning after repair and is not a new import, you will generally need:

• An official report or repair invoice issued by the repair centre in Jordan, clearly indicating:

  • the fault or defect that was repaired

  • the date of the repair

  • the parts replaced and/or the work carried out

• These documents should preferably be in German or English, or be accompanied by an official certified translation into one of these languages.

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4. Customs clearance procedure on re-entry

When the repaired smartphone arrives back in Germany, the following steps usually apply:

• You submit a request to use the “Vorübergehende Einfuhr” procedure at the customs office handling the import, together with all supporting documents.

• The customs officers review the documentation and verify that it matches the condition and identity of the device.

• If all conditions are met, no customs duties or import VAT are charged.

• If no documentation is presented or the time limit has been exceeded, customs may treat the device as a regular import and charge duties and taxes based on its value.

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5. Important tips

• Keep all documents related to the repair and shipping (invoices, reports, tracking information) safely.

• Check in advance the maximum period allowed for temporary importation and plan enough time for repair and return shipment.

• Use reliable shipping companies that offer clear tracking services.

• If you are unsure about the correct procedure, consult a customs broker or contact the relevant customs authority before shipping or re-importing the device.

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Summary

By following these steps, you can have your smartphone repaired in Jordan and then returned to Germany smoothly and without extra customs charges, as long as you can demonstrate that it is the same device that was previously sent out for repair.

The editorial and writing team of this website aims to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or certain details may be incomplete or not yet fully verified. Therefore, the information in this article should be regarded as an initial reference only. For binding and up-to-date guidance, always consult the competent authorities, particularly the customs administration.