Working with China in Berlin

Working with China from Berlin: where to start

Germany is China’s largest EU trading partner, and Berlin has two powerful logistics corridors on its doorstep: the seaports of Hamburg/Bremerhaven and Europe’s main China–Europe rail hub in Duisburg. Businesses need a supplier, quality control, and customs clearance.

What matters specifically for Russian speakers from the CIS

The main pain point for importers from the CIS is how to pay a Chinese supplier when Russian cards and SWIFT no longer work:

• practical options — USDT, payment via a payment agent in China or Hong Kong, or a transfer from a third-country account (UAE, Kazakhstan);
• many factories on 1688 only accept domestic RMB payments — you need an agent to pay and oversee the shipment;
• for regular orders, it is more practical to route payments through an international transfer service or a trusted contact in China;
• factor commission and exchange rate costs (1–3%) into your cost price — these are the items most often overlooked.

Supplier search and vetting

• platforms: Alibaba, 1688 (China’s domestic, cheaper), Global Sources, Canton Fair;
• verify the business licence, request samples, and arrange a video audit of the factory;
• payment on a 30% / 70% basis, never 100% upfront;
• Trade Assurance and independent pre-shipment inspection (QC).

Logistics: sea or rail

• sea (FCL/LCL) — the main route via Hamburg, ~35–45 days, FOB/CIF terms;
• rail through Duisburg — the largest China–Europe hub, ~16–20 days (faster than sea, cheaper than air);
• air freight — for urgent lightweight consignments;
• from Hamburg or Duisburg — by truck to Berlin.

Customs clearance and taxes in Germany

• an EORI number and customs clearance (Zoll) through a broker are required;
• on import: customs duty (Zoll) by commodity code + import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) 19%;
• EUSt is then credited if you are a Umsatzsteuer payer.

Common mistakes and how to choose the right partner

• ordering without a sample and inspection is the primary source of defects;
• a price that is too low often means a middleman, not a factory;
• calculate the full landed cost (goods + logistics + duty + EUSt);
• it is safer to work through a partner in China who will find the factory, verify it, and deliver on a turnkey basis.

Need suppliers and logistics from China to Berlin? Describe your task — we’ll help you find and verify.