Do I need an ABD?
Enter goods value, transport costs and weight. You will see at once whether your export from Germany to a third country such as Switzerland, the USA or the UK needs an export declaration with an Export Accompanying Document (ABD).
Enter goods value and weight and click “Check now”. You will then see here whether you need an ABD.
Yes, this consignment needs an ABD.
- For dual-use goods, goods requiring a licence and agricultural market-regulation goods, the obligation applies regardless of value and weight.
- The goods are exported only temporarily and will come back. The ABD is your proof of export, so that the goods can be re-imported free of import duties, regardless of the goods value.
- Goods value and transport costs together exceed €1,000.
- The gross weight exceeds 1,000 kg.
Not mandatory, but we recommend an ABD.
Value and weight do not exceed the thresholds of €1,000 and 1,000 kg, so an oral declaration is often sufficient. From a value of €750 we still recommend an ABD: it gives you the exit notification as evidence for the VAT-exempt supply.
Parcel carriers such as FedEx, UPS or DHL have their own value thresholds for shipments without an ABD, often at €750. If the value of the shipment is above that, the parcel is sent back. So check before shipping whether your carrier requires an ABD.
As a rule, you do not need an ABD.
Value and weight do not exceed the thresholds of €1,000 and 1,000 kg, so an oral declaration is often sufficient. If you need the exit notification as evidence for the VAT-exempt supply, you can still create an ABD.
Parcel carriers such as FedEx, UPS or DHL have their own value thresholds for shipments without an ABD, often at €750. If the value of the shipment is above that, the parcel is sent back. So check before shipping whether your carrier requires an ABD.
The result is a guide only and does not replace a legal assessment in individual cases.
The rules behind the check
The check applies the rules for exports from Germany to countries outside the EU:
- ABD required: Goods value and transport costs together exceed €1,000 or the gross weight exceeds 1,000 kg. One of the two thresholds is enough.
- Always required: For dual-use goods, goods requiring a licence and agricultural market-regulation goods, the obligation applies regardless of value and weight.
- Temporary export: If you do not sell the goods but export them only temporarily, for example for a trade fair, a project abroad (e.g. for testing) or a repair (outward processing), you need proof of export so that the goods can be re-imported free of import duties. The ABD is then needed regardless of the goods value. More on this on the temporary export page.
- ABD recommended: From a value of €750 we advise an ABD even where it is not mandatory.
- No ABD needed: Below that, an oral declaration is often sufficient.
Which value counts?
The relevant figure is the statistical value of the consignment, not the invoice value. It includes transport costs: goods worth €800 with €201 in transport costs are above the €1,000 threshold. Goods you do not sell also have a value, for a repair shipment for example the material value. For weight, the gross weight of the consignment counts.
Why an ABD can make sense even when it is not mandatory
With an ABD you receive the exit notification after export. It is the evidence for the VAT-exempt supply to a third country. Without it, the tax office can demand the VAT retrospectively. If you are unsure, a full export declaration puts you on the safe side.
Parcel carriers have their own thresholds
Parcel carriers such as FedEx, UPS or DHL have their own value thresholds for shipments without an ABD, often at €750. If the value of the shipment is above that, the parcel is sent back. So check before shipping whether your carrier requires an ABD.
For a goods value of up to €3,000, a one-stage export declaration is generally possible. Important: DHL, FedEx and UPS do not always accept an ABD that is created after dispatch. So clarify the right type of declaration, for example the two-stage procedure, before shipping wherever possible.
What the check does not replace
The result is a guide only and does not replace a legal assessment in individual cases. Whether your goods count as a special case is something to clarify once for your product range, particularly with regard to dual-use. Examples and background are in the article When Do I Need an ABD? Thresholds and Special Cases, the basics in What Is an Export Accompanying Document (ABD)?.
If you need an ABD, simply create the export declaration yourself online; our customs experts review it. The cost is listed on the pricing page.
Need an ABD? Simply create it yourself.
Start your export declaration online, reviewed by customs experts.