What You Need to Know About e-Export to Germany

E-commerce going beyond borders and making its mark on the international stage offers exciting opportunities for companies. Germany in particular has become an attractive target for Turkish businesses, thanks to both its geographic proximity and its economic potential. In this blog post, we will share important information for businesses planning to export online to Germany.

Almanya'ya e-ihracat while exploring the advantages of doing this, we will also cover the legal, logistical and marketing dimensions of the process in detail. We will also discuss how this process can be made more efficient and easier with infrastructure service providers such as Faprika. e-commerce infrastructure service providers. Like similar service providers, Faprika makes things considerably easier for businesses in marketplace integration, warehouse management and shipping processes such as e-export and its basic steps. Let us not forget this.

E-export is not just a product crossing a border; it also means your brand taking on a global identity. In this guide, we will go step by step through the key points to pay attention to when you export online to Germany. This way, you will have the chance both to expand your current market and to increase your brand awareness internationally.

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How to Do e-Export to Germany?

• Company Setup: To export online to Germany, you first need to set up a legally recognized company. This can be a sole proprietorship or a limited company. This makes your export activities official and documentable, which is an official requirement.
• Agreement with a Shipping Company: To deliver your products to customers in Germany, it is important to make an agreement with a reliable shipping company. A company with a wide distribution network in Germany ensures your products are delivered on time and reliably.
• Compliance with Overseas Sales Procedures: To avoid disruptions to your services, it is important to complete overseas sales procedures before starting operations. These procedures include your company's compliance with the laws of Turkey, Germany and the European Union (EU).
• Legal Compliance: Providing services in accordance with the law ensures that your operations are not disrupted by legal problems. This way, your products are guaranteed to reach customers without delay.
• e-Export Information: To get more detailed information about e-export, it can be useful to read resources titled "What is e-export? How is e-export done?". These resources explain in detail what to pay attention to when selling abroad over the internet.

What Steps Should Be Followed in the Initial Stage of e-Export to Germany?

• Market Research: To succeed in Germany's dynamic and competitive market, it is first important to carry out comprehensive market research. This research should cover trade trends in Germany, consumer behavior and industry dynamics. The data obtained will form the basis of your business plan and strategies and help your brand establish a solid place in the German market.
• Obtaining the Required Documents: Companies that will sell abroad need to obtain the various documents required for export operations. These documents allow products to pass through customs smoothly and help operations proceed within the legal framework.
• Budget Calculation and Cost Management: An important matter to consider in the e-export process is budget calculation and cost management. Customs expenses, logistics costs and taxes are an important part of foreign trade activities. It is important to research e-export costs in detail and take this data into account in your product pricing.
• Pricing Strategy: When entering the German market, it is critical to set a pricing strategy that is competitive and suited to local market conditions. In addition to costs, this strategy should include competitor analysis and consumer expectations.
• Logistics and Distribution Planning: Logistics and distribution planning should be done so that products are shipped to Germany effectively and efficiently. At this stage, it is important to work with reliable shipping and logistics partners and to optimize delivery processes.
• Marketing and Promotion Activities: When entering the German market, effective marketing and promotion activities are also very important. To reach your target audience and increase brand awareness, digital marketing strategies and promotional work aimed at the needs of the local market should be carried out.

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What Documents Are Required for e-Export to Germany?

• A.TR Certificate: This document is of great importance when exporting to Germany. The A.TR is required for goods in circulation between European Union (EU) member countries and works as a kind of visa. Under the Free Trade Agreement between Turkey and the EU, it is mandatory to register the goods sold with this document.
• Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB): Another important document that businesses selling products to Germany must submit is the ETGB. The ETGB is an electronic document used in the customs declaration of goods arriving or leaving by air, land, sea and rail. These procedures are carried out entirely in a digital environment and do not require a paper printout. The ETGB is valid especially for micro-export and is suitable for products up to 300 kilograms. As of 2022, the upper limit of sales that can be made with the ETGB is set at 15,000 euros. Products exceeding this value fall outside the scope of the ETGB.

These documents are of great importance for legal requirements and procedures when exporting online to Germany. To carry out export operations properly and within the legal framework, these documents must be prepared and submitted correctly and completely. In addition, the integration and support services offered by e-commerce infrastructure providers such as Faprika can help make export operations more efficient and trouble-free.

Which Platforms Can Be Used for e-Export to Germany?

Your Own Online Sales Platform: To export online to Germany, you can set up your own online store by working with an infrastructure provider that offers a customizable and comprehensive e-export package. This can be a way to reflect your brand's identity and offer a shopping experience tailored to your target audience.

Amazon: Amazon is a widespread global e-commerce platform and is popular in Germany as well. By listing your products on this platform with German content, you can reach a large customer base. Amazon offers a wide range of products in various categories, and its high traffic can increase the visibility of your products.

Etsy: Etsy, an ideal platform for handmade products, gifts and original designs, is a preferable option especially for Turkish businesses selling such products when exporting online to Germany. Etsy's competitive commission structure and the demand for creative products make this platform an attractive choice for e-export.

Ebay: Another platform you can use when exporting from Turkey to Germany is Ebay. Ebay is known for its wide range of products and user-friendly interface. This platform allows you to offer your products for sale in an environment that receives high traffic in Germany. In addition, Ebay's popularity in Germany and its effective payment processes make this platform a suitable option for e-export.

Kaufland: Kaufland is a popular online marketplace in Germany that offers a wide range of products. This platform is a suitable option especially for businesses that want to sell products in various categories to German consumers. Since Kaufland has a strong presence in the local market, selling through this marketplace can increase your brand's visibility in Germany.

Hood.de: Hood.de is another important online marketplace based in Germany. Known for its user-friendly interface and various seller options, Hood.de is a platform Turkish businesses should consider when exporting online to Germany. Hood.de provides a suitable environment especially for small and medium-sized businesses to offer their products to German consumers.

These platforms offer a range of options for e-export to Germany and help your products reach a wide customer base. Because each platform has its own features and target audience, it is important to choose the one that best fits your business model and products. E-commerce infrastructure providers such as Faprika can help you through this process with technical support and integration services.

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What Do You Need to Know When Doing E-Export to Germany?

• Market Analysis and Strategy: Before entering the German market, it is important to carry out a thorough market analysis and develop a suitable strategy. Considering that products and services made in Türkiye have a high trade volume in Germany, you should plan what place you can take in this market.
• Product and Service Suitability: The products and services you offer in the German market must comply with local demand and standards. This means making sure that the quality, safety standards and labeling requirements of your products meet German and EU norms.
• Legal Compliance and Regulations: Full compliance with EU and German regulations and standards is critical for your e-export process to run smoothly. This covers taxation, customs rules, consumer rights and data protection laws.
• Logistics and Distribution Planning: To ship products to Germany effectively, your logistics and distribution plans need to be optimized. This means working with reliable shipping and logistics partners and managing delivery processes efficiently.
• Marketing and Promotion: To increase brand awareness and grow your customer base in the German market, you will need effective marketing and promotion strategies. These may include digital marketing, social media campaigns and advertising tailored to the needs of potential customers in the local market.
• Weighing Advantages and Disadvantages: The advantages and disadvantages awaiting Turkish companies operating in Germany need to be carefully evaluated. This covers various factors such as the competitive situation, customer preferences and market dynamics.

What Are the Advantages of E-Commerce to Germany?

• Trade Volume Between Türkiye and Germany: Germany holds an important place in Türkiye’s foreign trade volume. This makes e-commerce from Türkiye to Germany an attractive option.
• Exchange Rate Difference and Price Advantage: Price advantages arising from the exchange rate difference have increased interest in Turkish goods in Germany. Turkish businesses can offer their products in this market at more affordable prices compared with the general market.
• A Large and Dynamic Market: Germany has a dynamic and busy market structure. This allows businesses to reach a wider customer base and operate in various market segments.
• Advanced Payment and Logistics Systems: Germany’s advanced payment and logistics systems make e-commerce transactions easier. Thanks to logistics companies operating in Türkiye and Germany, products made in Türkiye can be delivered quickly and reliably to every part of Germany.
• Turkish Population and Cultural Interaction: The Turkish population living in Germany forms an important target audience for Turkish products. Cultural interaction has helped spread interest in Turkish food culture and handicrafts across Germany. This gives Turkish products wide market potential in this market.

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What Are the Disadvantages of E-Commerce to Germany?

• Challenges and Cost of Logistics Processes: Logistics processes can sometimes be costly and complex when doing e-commerce with Germany. There is a 30 kg limit for shipments sent by air. Shipments exceeding this limit may require road or sea transport, which can lengthen delivery times. To manage such situations and maintain customer satisfaction, it is important to state delivery times clearly on the product page.
• Delays in Payment Processing: Payments made in euros and dollars are usually carried out via SWIFT. Such international money transfers can sometimes be delayed because of transactions between banks. These delays can affect businesses’ cash flow and financial planning. When doing e-export to Germany, it is useful to take such payment delays into account and plan accordingly.

These disadvantages reveal the challenges to consider when doing e-commerce with Germany. To overcome such challenges without harming the customer experience, it is important for businesses to develop effective logistics planning, cost management and customer communication strategies. In addition, using the services offered by e-commerce infrastructure providers such as Faprika in these processes can help businesses minimize these disadvantages.

How Is the Trade Volume Between Germany and Türkiye?

The trade volume between Germany and Türkiye is a strong and important indicator of the economic relations between the two countries. According to 2022 data from the German-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the value of exports from Türkiye to Germany is around 22 billion dollars. This figure holds the largest share in Türkiye’s foreign trade volume and shows that Germany is an important trading partner for Türkiye.

A large part of this trade consists of raw materials and retail products, and there is constant demand for Turkish goods in the German market. This demand is known to increase even further in some periods, which shows that Türkiye’s production and export capacity is important for the German market. This indicates that Germany is an attractive export market for Turkish businesses and that opportunities exist in this market.

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‍What Should You Pay Attention to When Doing E-Export to Germany?

• Language Adaptation: If you already have an e-commerce site, adding a German page will be very useful. Translating product content into German is important for reaching German customers. Although English is widely understood in Germany, conducting business in the country’s main language can be more effective.
• International E-Commerce Sites: If you plan to make your sales through international e-commerce sites, it is important to offer German content on these platforms. This helps your products reach potential customers in Germany better.
• Market Analysis and Strategy: When developing e-export strategies for Germany, it is important to consider the dynamics of this market and consumer preferences. Conducting comprehensive research on consumer trends, the competitive situation and areas of demand in Germany will contribute to the success of your business plan.
• Legal and Customs Procedures: When doing e-export to Germany, you need to pay attention to matters such as customs procedures, taxation and legal regulations. This ensures that transactions are carried out smoothly and within the legal framework.
• Logistics and Delivery Planning: To ship products to Germany efficiently, your logistics planning and delivery processes need to be optimized. Managing this process is critical for customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

What Are the Most Purchased E-Commerce Product Categories in Germany?

• Food Products: Important products exported from Türkiye to Germany include tomato paste, olive oil, organic products, dried foods and legumes. These products are popular among German consumers because they fit healthy and natural eating trends.
• Home Textile Products: Türkiye is known for its high-quality and diverse home textile products. Products in this category are in high demand in the e-commerce market in Germany.
• Clothing: Clothing items such as baby and children’s clothes and modest wear are also among the products frequently exported from Türkiye to Germany. The quality and designs of the Turkish clothing sector make these products attractive in the German market.
• Natural Health and Beauty Products: Health and beauty products with organic and natural ingredients are another popular category offered by Türkiye. These products are increasingly preferred in Germany thanks to the growing interest in health and naturalness.
• Jewelry and Accessories: Türkiye’s craftsmanship and design skills also show in the jewelry and accessories category. These products are popular in the e-commerce market in Germany, especially thanks to the demand for unique and original products.

Turkish companies operating in these categories can establish an effective presence in Germany and increase brand awareness with good marketing and logistics planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents do I need to do e-export to Germany?

The A.TR certificate and the Electronic Commerce Customs Declaration (ETGB) are required.

What are the advantages of e-export to Germany?

These include the price advantage of products from Turkey, Germany's large and dynamic market, the ready-made market created by the Turkish population, and cultural ties.

Which product categories are popular when doing e-export to Germany?

Popular categories include food products, home textiles, clothing, natural health and beauty products, and jewelry and accessories.

What should I pay attention to when doing e-export to Germany?

Language compatibility, market analysis, legal compliance, customs procedures, and logistics and distribution planning are important.

What are the disadvantages of e-export to Germany?

The main disadvantages are the complexity and cost of logistics processes and delays in international payments.

What is the trade volume between Germany and Turkey?

Germany holds an important share in Turkey's foreign trade, and as of 2022 exports of approximately 22 billion dollars were made.

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