How to ship to Germany with USPS as a reseller

A small package of goods to Germany, up to 4 lb and $400, goes by First-Class Package International Service: $20.75 for up to 8 oz with a label from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider, or $21.80 at the Post Office or through Click-N-Ship. From 49 oz, a Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope costs less if the item fits: $52.74 online, against $54.10 by First-Class Package International, though USPS offers no tracking on Flat Rate Envelopes. Heavier or pricier packages go by Priority Mail International, up to 70 lb, from $79.61 for 1 lb online, and every package of goods needs an electronic customs form with a 6-digit HS code for each item. Germany's listing requires the duties on dutiable goods to be prepaid, and since Jul 1, 2026 even a consumer sale worth up to €150 owes import duty there, so buy the label where the duties can be collected (see duties). The country's own rules to watch: lithium batteries banned; prepaid duties required.

Rules quoted from Germany's Individual Country Listing in USPS's International Mail Manual, read Oct 19, 2026. Prices from Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026; package prices are unchanged since the Jan 18, 2026 edition.

Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026

First-Class Package International, up to 8 oz, online: $20.75
Priority Mail International, 1 lb, online: $79.61
Heaviest package (Priority Mail International): 70 lb
Prepaid duties (USPS DDP): Required for dutiable goods

What you can and can't send to Germany

Goods on a country's prohibited list can't be mailed there, and a country can return or seize mail that breaks its rules even if USPS never published them (IMM 131.32-131.33). Here is what Germany's listing says about the goods resellers ship most, quoted from it, next to USPS's rule for every country where there is one. Other items on Germany's lists include human remains, live plants and animals, pulverized coca beans and radioactive material; plants and seeds from outside the EU need a health certificate.

Books, magazines and other printed matter

Nothing on Germany's lists.

Every country: USPS treats books as goods, not documents: they need a customs form with a value (IMM 123.623). There is no Media Mail abroad: USPS's five international mail categories don't include it (IMM 141.1), so books pay the same package prices as other goods. Airmail M-bags (sacks of printed matter) are not offered to Germany (IMM Exhibit 261.3).

CDs, DVDs, records and film

Nothing on Germany's lists.

Every country: CDs, DVDs and other recorded or blank media always need a customs form and a value; USPS never counts them as documents (IMM 123.622-123.623).

Cosmetics, perfume and aerosols

Nothing on Germany's lists.

Every country: USPS lists aerosols, nail polish, perfumes containing alcohol and hemp-based (CBD) products among items that can't be sent to any country (USPS international restrictions). Dangerous goods, such as flammable materials and compressed gases, are banned in all international mail (IMM 136.1).

Electronics and batteries

“Lithium cells and batteries — including items containing lithium cells and batteries under 135.6.” (IMM Germany listing, Prohibitions)

Every country: Only new lithium batteries installed in the device they run, at most four cells or two batteries per package and 100 Wh per lithium-ion battery; no spare batteries, and no used, damaged or defective devices with lithium batteries unless manufacturer-certified refurbished. The outside of the package must not carry lithium battery marks or labels (IMM 135.62-135.64).

Jewelry, watches, coins and precious metals

Nothing on Germany's lists.

Every country: Valuables can't go by Priority Mail Express International; inexpensive costume jewelry with little precious metal ships like any other merchandise, and USPS says it “is accepted to countries that prohibit jewelry, but only at the sender’s risk” (IMM 134.2).

Toys, games and playing cards

“Playing cards, except in complete decks properly wrapped.” (IMM Germany listing, Prohibitions)

Also under knives, replica weapons and toy guns.

Knives, replica weapons and toy guns

“Arms and weapons, including firearms, parts of arms, ammunition, and imitation arms.” (IMM Germany listing, Prohibitions)

Every country: USPS says some knives and sharp instruments may be mailed to certain countries, under the conditions in each country's listing (IMM 137). Inert or replica grenades and military ordnance are banned to every country (IMM 136.2).

Brand-name, copyrighted and origin-marked goods

Nothing on Germany's lists.

Every country: Counterfeit or pirated goods are prohibited to every country (IMM 136.3).

Food, supplements, medicines and health items

“Melatonin.” (IMM Germany listing, Prohibitions)
“Importation of medicines requires special authorization by German authorities.” (IMM Germany listing, Restrictions)
“Import licenses or certificates are required for meat and meat products; pasta products; dairy products; egg and egg products; plant and plant products; tobacco products; and cigarette paper.” (IMM Germany listing, Restrictions)

Packing materials and boxes

“Articles bearing political or religious notations on the address side.” (IMM Germany listing, Prohibitions)

There is nothing on Germany's lists about clothing or shoes or about antiques and collectibles.

USPS says the burden is on the mailer to follow every country's rules, whatever a USPS employee says (IMM 131.4). The full lists: Germany in the IMM.

USPS services to Germany and their limits

From Germany's IMM listing (weight, size, insurance, M-bags, DDP) and Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026 (price groups). Global Express Guaranteed has been suspended since Sep 29, 2024.
Service	Price group	Weight limit	Size limit	Good to know
First-Class Package International Service	16	4 lb	24 in. long; length + height + thickness 36 in.	Value up to $400. Free electronic delivery confirmation to this country (IMM 252.22). No insurance. Customs form: PS Form 2976.
Priority Mail International	16	70 lb; Flat Rate Envelope and Small Box 4 lb, Medium and Large Box 20 lb	60 in. long; length + girth 108 in.	6-10 business days to many major markets (USPS). Tracking included, except on Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes (USPS). Insurance: $200 included for merchandise; more can be bought up to $500. Customs form: PS Form 2976-A.
Priority Mail Express International	16	66 lb	60 in. long; length + girth 108 in.	No date-certain money-back guarantee to this country (IMM 141.3). No coins, jewelry, watches or other valuables. Customs form: PS Form 2976-B.
First-Class Mail International	5	3.5 oz letters; 15.994 oz large envelopes	Letter and flat sizes	Documents and correspondence only: no merchandise of any kind (IMM 242.2).
Airmail M-bag	n/a	Not available	-	Not offered to Germany (IMM Exhibit 261.3).

Online prices need PC Postage. Commercial Base prices are for labels from a USPS-approved PC Postage product, “with the exception of Click-N-Ship service”, so Click-N-Ship labels pay the retail price for Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International alike (IMM 233.231, 252.25, 253.231).
Valuables: coins, precious metals, jewelry and watches can't go by Priority Mail Express International, and Registered Mail isn't offered for First-Class Package International Service or Priority Mail International (IMM 134, 332). Germany's listing adds no rule of its own on valuables.
Germany's listing: “Germany will not accept any Priority Mail Express International or Priority Mail International insured item valued at more than $500. Items valued at more than $500 will be returned to sender.”
Service alerts: USPS's international service alerts (updated Oct 2, 2026, checked Oct 19, 2026) don't list Germany among the 13 destinations where mail acceptance is suspended. Check it before a big shipment.

USPS prices to Germany

"Online" is USPS's Commercial Base price, for labels from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider. "Post Office" is the retail price, which Click-N-Ship also charges: USPS lists retail Flat Rate prices “at Post Office & Online” (USPS, IMM 233.231). Commercial Plus prices are the same as Commercial Base in this edition. First-Class Package International weights round up to the next ounce (IMM 253.12), so an 8.2 oz package pays the 9-16 oz price.

First-Class Package International Service, price group 16. Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026. Online saves $1.05 to $12.15.
Weight	Post Office	Online
1-8 oz	$21.80	$20.75
9-16 oz	$29.95	$27.92
17-32 oz (up to 2 lb)	$32.85	$31.27
33-48 oz (up to 3 lb)	$48.60	$45.33
49-64 oz (up to 4 lb)	$66.25	$54.10

Priority Mail International by weight, price group 16, weight not over. Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026.
Weight	Post Office	Online
1 lb	$82.30	$79.61
2 lb	$85.50	$82.75
3 lb	$89.25	$86.35
4 lb	$94.65	$91.58
5 lb	$99.85	$96.62
10 lb	$127.15	$123.04
20 lb	$181.50	$175.64
30 lb	$222.25	$215.04
44 lb	$268.15	$259.46
66 lb	$360.30	$348.61
70 lb	$378.45	$366.16

Priority Mail International Flat Rate, Flat Rate price group 4. USPS's own Flat Rate packaging only; every envelope or box named in a row costs the same, and USPS suggests the padded envelope for clothing, books and boxed jewelry (USPS). Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026.
Packaging	Up to	Post Office	Online
Flat Rate Envelope: regular, padded, legal, window or small	4 lb	$54.55	$52.74
Small Flat Rate Box (also the DVD and Large Video boxes)	4 lb	$56.35	$54.50
Medium Flat Rate Box (top- or side-loading)	20 lb	$93.15	$92.32
Large Flat Rate Box (also the Board Game box)	20 lb	$110.60	$103.75

Three packages, priced

A paperback in a padded mailer, 14 oz: First-Class Package International Service $27.92; Priority Mail International by weight (1 lb) $79.61; Priority Mail International Padded Flat Rate Envelope $52.74. Cheapest: First-Class Package International Service, $27.92 online.
Jeans and a sweater, 2 lb 8 oz: First-Class Package International Service $45.33; Priority Mail International by weight (3 lb) $86.35; Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box $92.32. Cheapest: First-Class Package International Service, $45.33, as long as the value is $400 or less.
Six hardcovers, 9 lb: too heavy for First-Class Package International. Priority Mail International by weight (9 lb) $117.66; Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box (if they fit) $92.32. Cheapest: Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box, $92.32.

Online prices, except the M-bag. Selling platforms and label services can charge their own rates. Domestic rates: postage calculator.

Customs form, HS codes and value

Which form: PS Form 2976 for First-Class Package International Service (up to $400), PS Form 2976-A in a 2976-E envelope for Priority Mail International, PS Form 2976-B for Priority Mail Express International. All must be printed electronically, by your label software, Click-N-Ship, Customs Form Online or the Post Office counter; hand-filled forms with a barcode are obsolete (IMM 123.11, 123.61).
What goes on it: full names and addresses, the category (gift, merchandise and so on), a detailed description with quantity, net weight and value for each item, and “the 6-digit WCO HS code for each item in the package unless otherwise specified in the individual country listing” (IMM 123.711). USPS's example: “Men's cotton shirts”, not “Clothes” (USPS).
Books and media count as goods: books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs need a form and a value even though they're printed or recorded (IMM 123.623).
Export filing: enter “NOEEI 30.37(a)” when each class of goods is worth $2,500 or less (IMM 526.2).
Germany's listing: “All items containing goods must include the corresponding 6-digit harmonized system code for each article listed on the customs declaration form.”
Germany's listing: “For Priority Mail International parcels, an invoice, in duplicate, is required for all commercial shipments regardless of value and all personal shipments valued at $300 or more.”
Germany's listing: “Customs declaration forms must include the addressee’s full name, (i.e., complete forename(s) and surname), spelled out in full.”

Addressing for Germany

“must be addressed to the recipient’s physical residential or business address and may not be addressed directly to a parcel locker (DHL Packstation), a service point (postal outlet or DHL Paketshop), or a post office box (Postfach).” That applies to any mail that needs a customs form; otherwise German customs may send it back. (IMM Germany listing, Observations)

Duties, taxes and fees: who pays

The sender prepays them for dutiable goods. USPS Delivered Duty Paid lets you prepay the duties, taxes and fees when you buy the label (IMM 361). Germany's listing, under Delivered Duty Paid:

“Except as provided below and in 362, service is required for all dutiable items sent as Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, or First-Class Package International Service.”
“Service is NOT available for items:” “Destined to Helgoland and Büsingen (customs enclaves).” “Declared as gifts with a value up to 45 EUR.”

Where to buy it: USPS sells Delivered Duty Paid only at a Post Office counter, in Click-N-Ship, through USPS APIs or in its Global Shipping Software (IMM 362), and the counter and Click-N-Ship charge the retail price: $82.30 instead of $79.61 for 1 lb by Priority Mail International (IMM 233.231). A PC Postage provider or marketplace “may choose to use alternative solutions, other than USPS DDP service” (IMM 362), so check that yours collects the duties before you buy a cheaper online label.

If you opt in, USPS says the duties, taxes, fees “and a third-party service fee will be added to the cost of postage” (USPS). USPS also warns: “In certain cases, depending on the destination country, shippers may be required to prepay duties, taxes, and fees in order to purchase postage.”

For items Delivered Duty Paid doesn't cover (the exceptions above), USPS's manual says: “The duties, taxes, import fees, and other charges, if applicable, are not included in the postage paid by the mailer,” and most countries charge the recipient a customs clearance and delivery fee on top (IMM 131.34, as revised Oct 19, 2026). Apart from Delivered Duty Paid and the invoices below, USPS doesn't give out information on what other countries charge (IMM 131.34).

If the charges go unpaid: since Oct 19, 2026, when duties, taxes or import fees on your package haven't been paid in full and the customs authority, postal operator or broker in Germany seeks them from you or USPS, “the Postal Service (or its representative) will send an invoice to the mailer for such amounts” (IMM 424.1). You have to pay the whole invoice by its due date “even if the mailer disputes the assessment,” whether the package was delivered, lost, damaged or returned, and anything not paid by the invoice's due date draws interest at 6% a year (IMM 424.2, 424.4). A challenge to the amount goes to the party that set it, not to USPS (IMM 424.5). The same rule says that where a country requires delivered duty paid, “the mailer must send the mailpiece on a delivered duty paid basis” (IMM 112). USPS made these changes in an interim final rule effective Oct 19, 2026 (Federal Register, 91 FR 66000); its online manual, dated Sep 7, 2026, didn't show them yet when we checked on Oct 19, 2026. More: when USPS bills the sender for unpaid duties.

EU duty on low-value packages since Jul 1, 2026: Germany's listing points to the European Union's VAT rules, and USPS says countries that follow EU customs rules now charge import duty on business-to-consumer packages worth up to €150, which used to be exempt, and on gifts between consumers worth over €45 and up to €150. “The receiving EU country will assess a flat, nonrefundable €3 duty based on the contents of your package,” one for each unique HS code on the customs form, plus any national taxes and fees; “The rules for packages over €150 remain the same.” USPS tells shippers to these countries to use Click-N-Ship, a Post Office counter, certain USPS APIs or Global Shipping Software, which work out the duties from your item descriptions (USPS).

Germany's listing: “As of July 1, 2021, the value-added tax (VAT) exemption is abolished on all imported goods”
Germany's listing: “An item associated with a transaction between private persons conducted via an online auction platform.” The listing puts this on its list of items that owe import taxes and duties (since Jan 31, 2022).
Germany's listing: “An item sent either from or to a business — business to business (B2B), business to consumer (B2C), or consumer to business (C2B) — even when declared as a gift.” Also on that list.

General information from USPS's manual, not tax or customs advice. Whether you have to register for Germany's VAT, GST or a similar tax is a question for a tax professional.

Questions

What's the cheapest way to ship a package to Germany with USPS?

For a light package, First-Class Package International Service (up to 4 lb and $400 in value): $20.75 for up to 8 oz with a label from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider, or $21.80 at the Post Office or through Click-N-Ship, which charges the retail price (IMM 252.25). From 49 oz, a Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope costs less if the item fits: $52.74 online, against $54.10 by First-Class Package International, though USPS offers no tracking on Flat Rate Envelopes. Heavier or more valuable packages go by Priority Mail International, from $79.61 for 1 lb online (Notice 123). One catch: Germany's listing requires prepaid duties on dutiable goods, and since Jul 1, 2026 even a consumer sale worth up to €150 owes import duty there (USPS). USPS sells Delivered Duty Paid only at the Post Office, in Click-N-Ship, through its APIs or in Global Shipping Software, and the counter and Click-N-Ship charge retail ($82.30 for 1 lb of Priority Mail International); a PC Postage provider or marketplace may also collect the duties its own way (IMM 362), so whether you get the online price depends on your label service.

Can I ship books to Germany?

Yes. Germany's IMM listing has no rule on books or printed matter. Books need a customs form with a value (IMM 123.623). Airmail M-bags aren't available to Germany (IMM Exhibit 261.3).

Can I ship used clothing to Germany?

Yes. Germany's IMM listing has no rule on clothing, shoes or used goods. Describe each piece on the customs form (USPS's example: “Men's cotton shirts”, not “Clothes”) (USPS customs forms).

Can I ship electronics with lithium batteries to Germany?

No. Germany's listing prohibits “Lithium cells and batteries — including items containing lithium cells and batteries under 135.6.”, so a device with its battery installed is out too. USPS's own limits for other countries are in IMM 135.62-135.64.

Who pays duties and taxes on a package to Germany?

For dutiable goods, the sender, in advance: Germany's listing says USPS Delivered Duty Paid “service is required for all dutiable items sent as Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, or First-Class Package International Service.” Label services and marketplaces may collect them their own way (IMM 362). If the charges go unpaid and the destination seeks them from you or USPS, USPS will invoice you, and you have to pay it by its due date even if you dispute the amount (IMM 424, effective Oct 19, 2026).

Do I need an HS code to ship to Germany?

Yes. Every customs form needs at least the 6-digit HS code for each item unless the country listing says otherwise (IMM 123.711). With USPS's own tools (Click-N-Ship, Customs Forms Online or Global Shipping Software) you can skip the lookup: give a specific description, such as “Men's cotton shirts” instead of “Clothes”, and USPS assigns the code (USPS customs forms). Whatever tool picks the code, “the mailer remains solely responsible” for it being right (IMM 537.4). Germany's listing repeats it: “All items containing goods must include the corresponding 6-digit harmonized system code for each article listed on the customs declaration form.”

Can I mail a trading card or other small item I sold to Germany in a letter?

No. First-Class Mail International takes only correspondence and documents: “No merchandise, whether dutiable or nondutiable, may be mailed using First-Class Mail International service” (IMM 242.2). The lowest-priced USPS service for goods is First-Class Package International Service, $20.75 online for up to 8 oz, with a customs form; the package has to be at least 6 inches long and 4 inches high (IMM 251.22).

Sources

Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026 from each official page below.

Free 1-page Reseller Cheat Sheet: fees on 8 platforms, Media Mail and stamp prices

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