Trade Routes
Shipping from India to Germany: Ports, Transit & Tips
6 min read
Germany is the largest economy in Europe and a key market for Indian exporters. Most cargo routes through the port of Hamburg, with onward distribution across the EU.
Routes and ports
Exports usually leave Nhava Sheva or Mundra and route westbound via the Suez Canal to Hamburg, the main container gateway in Germany. Bremerhaven is also used. From there, cargo moves by road, rail or barge across Germany and neighbouring EU countries.
Typical transit times
- Ocean FCL: approximately 18 to 30 days to Hamburg, depending on routing and transhipment.
- Air freight: generally 2 to 5 days to Frankfurt or other German airports.
EU import requirements
- The EU importer needs an EORI number for customs.
- Many products require CE marking to be sold in the EU.
- ISPM-15 treated wood packaging is required.
- Certificate of origin and product compliance documents as applicable.