How to Import Pokémon Cards from the US to Germany
A complete guide for German collectors buying Pokémon TCG cards from US marketplaces like TCGPlayer and eBay. Learn about VAT, customs duty, IOSS, shipping options, and how to calculate your total landed cost.
1. 19% VAT (Mehrwertsteuer)
All goods imported to Germany from outside the EU are subject to 19% German VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer / EUSt). This applies to the total value of the shipment — the card price plus shipping costs plus any customs duty.
There is no tax-free threshold for VAT. Even a $1 card is taxed. However, how you pay depends on whether the seller is IOSS-registered.
2. Customs Duty (Zollgebühren)
Customs duty is charged at 2.5% for trading cards (HS code 9504) when the total pre-VAT value (card price + shipping) exceeds €150.
Under €150: No customs duty — only 19% VAT
Over €150: 2.5% customs duty + 19% VAT on the total (including the duty)
The €150 threshold is calculated using the CIF method (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) — meaning shipping and insurance costs are included in the value assessment.
3. IOSS vs Non-IOSS Sellers
The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system determines how VAT is collected:
IOSS Sellers (eBay, TCGPlayer)
- VAT is collected at checkout for orders under €150
- No additional fees on delivery
- Customs clearance is handled automatically
- The price you see at checkout is the final price
Non-IOSS Sellers (Private, Small Shops)
- VAT is not collected at checkout
- DHL/FedEx/DPD charges you 19% VAT on delivery
- Additional handling fee of €6–€15 per package
- You may need to provide documentation to customs
4. Shipping Options & Costs
| Method | Time | Cost (approx.) | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| USPS First Class | 14–21 days | $5–$10 | Limited |
| USPS Priority | 7–14 days | $15–$25 | Full |
| FedEx / DHL Express | 3–5 days | $25–$50+ | Full |
For high-value cards, always choose tracked and insured shipping. Cards shipped without tracking have no recourse if lost in transit.
5. Example Cost Calculation
Buying a $200 card from TCGPlayer with $15 Priority Mail shipping:
| Card price | $200.00 |
| Shipping | $15.00 |
| Subtotal (≈ €198 at 0.92 rate) | €198.00 |
| Customs duty (2.5%, over €150) | €4.95 |
| VAT base (€198 + €4.95) | €202.95 |
| 19% VAT | €38.56 |
| Total landed cost | €241.51 |
Use our Import Calculator to run your own calculation with current exchange rates.
6. CardMarket vs TCGPlayer for German Buyers
CardMarket (EU)
- No import taxes — intra-EU shipping
- Lower shipping costs (€1–€5 within EU)
- Prices include VAT already
- Best for standard singles and sealed product
TCGPlayer (US)
- Wider selection of US-exclusive products
- Often lower base prices before tax
- Must add 19% VAT + potential customs + shipping
- Best for rare US promos and early releases
Search and compare prices across both marketplaces on TCG Nexus to find the best deal after import costs.
7. Tips for German Collectors
- Combine orders — Consolidate purchases from one seller to save on per-package shipping and handling fees.
- Stay under €150 — If possible, keep individual shipment values under €150 to avoid the 2.5% customs duty.
- Buy from IOSS sellers — Platforms like eBay and TCGPlayer handle VAT at checkout, so you avoid carrier handling fees (€6–€15).
- Check CardMarket first — For common singles, EU sellers on CardMarket are almost always cheaper than importing from the US.
- Use tracked shipping — Always for cards worth over €50. Insurance is worth the extra cost.
- Track your portfolio — Use the TCG Nexus Portfolio to monitor the value of your collection against your total investment including import costs.
- Set price alerts — Use Price Alerts to get notified when cards drop to your target price before importing.
Calculate Your Import Cost Now
Enter a card price and see the exact breakdown of VAT, customs, and fees.
Open Import Calculator