How to Send IT Equipment to Germany
Looking to send Laptops or other IT equipment to your remote teams in Germany? ZenAdmin simplifies IT procurement, leasing, management, shipping, and compliance across borders. Learn how to seamlessly manage logistics, customs, and IT outsourcing for your remote team in Germany.
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As global remote work continues to expand, more businesses are hiring and onboarding distributed teams across Germany, especially in fast-growing tech and service hubs like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. To enable productivity from day one, companies often need to send essential IT equipment, such as laptops, computers, smartphones, telecom equipment, to employees, contractors, or field teams working remotely.
However, shipping IT hardware internationally is rarely simple. Organizations must navigate customs rules, import duties, documentation requirements, logistics timelines, and country-specific compliance regulations, which can cause delays and unexpected costs.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to send IT equipment to Germany, including documentation, customs duties, shipping options, delivery timelines, and best practices, plus how platforms like ours can simplify the process with end-to-end device procurement, deployment, and tracking.
- Remote-first hiring is on the rise in Germany, with more global companies building distributed teams here.
- Businesses are onboarding Software engineer, DevOps engineer, Data engineer, Cybersecurity specialist, Product manager, UX/UI designer, Marketing manager, Customer success manager, Finance analyst, HR/recruiting specialist fully remotely and need ready-to-use devices from day one.
- Standardized company-issued devices help maintain security, compliance, and performance across a growing remote workforce.
- Companies frequently ship IT equipment to major hubs such as:
- Berlin: Startup and creative tech capital, leading in fintech, greentech, and media with over 189 fintech firms and 31,000 environmental sector jobs.
- Munich: Engineering and automotive powerhouse, home to BMW, Siemens, and Allianz, dominating biotech, IT, and renewable energy sectors.
- Hamburg: Europe's key logistics and aviation hub, hosting Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, and a diversified port economy with steel, media, and wind energy focus.
- These cities combine strong internet infrastructure, experienced tech talent, and favorable business ecosystems, making them ideal locations for remote and hybrid teams.
- Global companies across multiple sectors are building teams in Germany, including:
- Information technology, software, and engineering services
- Professional and business services (consulting, operations)
- Finance, fintech, and insurance services
- Marketing, design, and digital creative services (and more)
- Roles in engineering, product, customer support, sales, and operations often require company-provided laptops, monitors, and accessories to connect securely to internal tools and systems.
Laptops
- Supported brands: Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, Acer, Asus
- Ideal for engineering, design, support, and business teams
- Pre-configurable with OS, security policies, and MDM before shipping
Monitors
- Available screen sizes: 21.5", 22", 23.8", 24", 25", 27", 28", 29" (ultrawide), 31.5", 32", 34" (ultrawide)
- Includes portable travel monitors and full-size displays
- Recommended for roles requiring multi-screen productivity
Phones & Tablets
- Corporate use for field teams, logistics, on-site personnel & sales reps
- Compatible with eSIM/local SIM depending on carrier rules
- Available models: iOS / Android / Enterprise-rugged devices
Essential Accessories
- Frequently shipped peripherals include:
- Keyboards & mice
- Headsets & speakers
- Webcams
- Docking stations
- Routers / travel Wi-Fi / data cards
- Ensure compatibility and power standards for Germany
Restricted or Approval-Required Items in Germany
Some equipment may require additional authorization before import:
- Lithium-ion batteries above up to 100 Wh per battery typical; 100–160 Wh possible with DG handling; >160 Wh cargo‑only if accepted at all.
- Network & RF equipment requiring telecom licensing
- Used or refurbished electronic equipment depending on customs rules
- Commercial quantities subject to extra approvals
⚠️ Requirements vary based on customs category and intended use. Always verify documentation and permits for Germany before shipping.
Understanding customs charges is essential before shipping devices into Germany. Import duties and taxes vary based on the type of equipment, declared value, intended use, and documentation accuracy. Below is a quick reference to average charges applied when importing IT hardware.
| Item | Import Duty | VAT / GST | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laptop | 0% | 19% | 0% |
| Monitor | 0% | 19% | 0% |
| Mobile / Tablet | 0% | 19% | 0% |
| Accessories | 0% | 19% | 0% |
Important Notes
- Charges may vary depending on whether the item is new, used, or refurbished
- Incorrect valuation or paperwork can delay clearance or increase costs
- Bulk imports may require additional permits or business documentation
📌 Tip: Always check updated duty rules for IT equipment before shipping to avoid delays and penalties.
Shipping timelines and costs vary depending on the service level, carrier, shipment weight, and customs clearance speed. Here’s a quick overview of typical delivery expectations when sending IT equipment to Germany
| Shipping Method | Average Time |
|---|---|
| Express Delivery | 1–4 days (UPS Express Saver) |
| Economy Shipping | 2–5 days |
| Sea Freight | 15–45 days |
Shipping costs vary significantly based on device type, quantity, origin country, customs category, and urgency.
Important Notes
- Import rules vary by country and device category
- Incorrect valuation or documentation can delay clearance or lead to rejection
- Some countries restrict used, refurbished, or opened devices
- Bulk imports may require additional permits or business documentation
📌 Always verify country-specific import rules before shipping IT equipment.
Proper packaging is essential when shipping laptops, monitors, and other sensitive IT equipment to Germany, especially when devices contain lithium batteries or fragile display components. Following the right packing standards ensures safe transit, prevents damage, and avoids customs issues or carrier rejection.
Recommended Packaging Materials
Use these as checklist cards or icons:
- Anti-shock padded boxes or original manufacturer packaging
- Bubble wrap, foam inserts, and corner protectors
- Anti-static sleeves for internal components
- Double-layer corrugated outer box for enhanced protection
- Water-resistant sealing tape for humidity protection
- Fragile & lithium battery labels on the outer surface
Add Shipping Insurance
- Always opt for device value coverage to protect against loss, theft, or transit damage
- Insurance is recommended for high-value items like laptops, monitors, and smartphones
- Coverage is typically available through major carriers (Deutsche Post DHL, DB Schenker, Dachser) or third-party providers
Lithium Battery Compliance
Most IT equipment contains lithium-ion batteries, which are regulated for air transport. Ensure compliance before shipping to Germany.
- Maximum allowed battery capacity: up to 100 Wh per battery typical; 100–160 Wh possible with DG handling; >160 Wh cargo‑only if accepted at all.
- Devices should be powered off completely before packing
- Batteries must remain installed inside the device (not shipped loose)
- External spare batteries may require additional documentation or packaging
Managing Restrictions & Approvals
- Some carriers require Special Handling (DGR) for laptops, phones, and tablets
- Declare full battery specifications in shipping documents
- Shipments may be rejected if batteries are damaged or exceed the rating allowed for Germany
How it works: Ship company-owned IT devices directly from your headquarters to employees in Germany.
- Maintain standardized device setup & security controls
- Utilize existing IT inventory
- Enables pre-configuration & MDM deployment before shipping
- Higher shipping & customs clearance costs
- Risk of customs delays & approval requirements
- Longer delivery timelines for remote regions
How it works: Buy new devices from authorized resellers or marketplaces within Germany and deliver locally.
- Faster delivery to local cities & remote regions
- Reduced customs duties & import paperwork
- Easy access to regional warranties & service centers
- Pricing variations based on availability
- Limited brand/model consistency across regions
- May require internal logistics coordination
How it works: Full-service partner handles device procurement, deployment, shipping, and returns across Germany.
- Device procurement + delivery + retrieval
- Remote onboarding & offboarding automation
- MDM setup, asset tracking & lifecycle visibility
- Global carrier, customs & insurance handling
- Distributed teams scaling quickly
- Minimizing operational overhead & delays
- Companies looking for automation rather than manual logistics
A single platform to procure, ship, track, manage, and retrieve IT equipment for distributed teams in Germany, without dealing with customs complexities, logistics delays, or manual coordination.
What We Do
- Ship or source IT equipment locally in Germany (new & certified devices)
- End-to-end logistics support including tracking, customs clearance & insurance
- MDM enrollment & security configuration before dispatch
- Asset lifecycle management including retrieval, swaps, upgrades & buyback
- Onboarding & offboarding workflow automation
- Delivery in 2–5 days to major cities like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg
Why Teams Choose ZenAdmin
- Reduce device delivery time from weeks to days
- Eliminate compliance & customs risk
- Lower operational workload for HR, IT & finance teams
- Maintain full visibility & control of global device inventory