Shipping olive oil from Tunisia or Palestine to relatives in Germany: applicable charges and proper packaging

Shipping olive oil from Tunisia or Palestine to relatives in Germany: applicable charges and packaging rules

Olive oil is highly sought after among Arab communities in Germany, especially when it comes from Tunisia or Palestine, where it is closely linked to traditional agriculture and a strong cultural heritage. However, importing olive oil via parcels or personal shipments is subject to strict customs and health regulations, in order to protect consumer safety and ensure compliance with EU law.

1. Is it allowed to ship olive oil to Germany?

• Yes, it is permitted to ship olive oil from Tunisia or Palestine to Germany, but only under strictly defined conditions.

• Olive oil is considered a plant-based food product, and is therefore subject to control by customs and food safety authorities (Lebensmittelüberwachung).

2. Customs duties and taxes

• In practice, olive oil is often subject to low customs duties or can be exempt under certain trade agreements between the EU and countries such as Tunisia and Palestine.

• However, German import VAT (19 %) is generally levied on the full value of the oil plus shipping costs and any customs duty.

3. Correct filling and packaging

• The oil must be filled in tightly sealed containers made from food-grade materials, such as glass bottles or approved food-grade plastic.

• It is recommended to use small containers (e.g. 500 ml or 1 litre) to make storage easier and reduce the risk of damage or spoilage.

• Bottles should be packed in such a way that leaks or breakage are effectively prevented, for example by using bubble wrap or other shock-absorbing materials.

• Parcels should be packed in sturdy cardboard boxes, with all empty spaces filled so that the bottles cannot move around during transport.

4. Required documents and declarations

• Purchase invoice or donation receipt (if the oil is sent as a gift).

• Customs declaration of contents (Zollinhaltserklärung CN22 or CN23) clearly stating that the contents are plant-based olive oil.

• Certificate of origin, where necessary, especially for larger shipments or when making use of preferential customs rates.

• In some cases, authorities may request a health certificate or quality analysis for the olive oil; for small private shipments, this is usually optional.

5. Tips to avoid delays or refusal of the shipment

• Avoid sending very large quantities that go far beyond normal personal consumption, to prevent the shipment from being treated as commercial importation.

• Do not send oil in unsuitable or non-food-grade containers, or in unsealed/poorly sealed bottles.

• Attach a precise description of the contents on the parcel, for example: “Olive oil – plant-based food, for personal use/gift”.

• Check with the shipping company in advance regarding their specific rules for liquids and food products, and follow their instructions.

6. Procedure when the shipment arrives in Germany

• German customs will check both the contents of the parcel and the accompanying documents (invoice, CN22/CN23, etc.).

• You may be required to pay import VAT (19 %), and possibly customs duties, if no exemption applies.

• Once all taxes and duties have been paid and the food safety requirements have been met, the shipment will be released for delivery.

Summary

The editorial team of this website is committed to providing accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not fully verified. Please treat this article as an initial reference only and always consult the competent authorities for binding and up-to-date information.