Group 9
Group 9
MIDTERM ASSIGNMENT
SUBJECT: EXPORT - IMPORT MANAGEMENT
2,4, Customs.....................................................................................................................................10
2,4,1, HS code and Import duty........................................................................................................10
2,4,2, Import Customs Procedures in Germany:........................................................................................11
2,4,3, Mandatory Import Documents..........................................................................................................11
I.1.3. Importer
Based in Hamburg, DKSH GmbH is a prominent European seafood distributor serving
customers across Germany, Switzerland, and several European nations, The company
specializes in bridge-building between Asian production and European demand, leveraging a
dedicated sales team in Germany alongside a specialized network of seafood experts on the
ground in Vietnam and China,
To ensure the highest food safety standards, DKSH’s Hamburg operations are IFS Broker
Higher Level certified, reflecting a commitment to transparency and quality management, A
core component of their operation is a rigorous quality control protocol: every lot is
meticulously inspected by well-trained quality staff and verified by accredited
laboratories prior to shipment, By integrating local market expertise with stringent European
safety benchmarks, DKSH GmbH provides a seamless, reliable supply chain for premium
seafood imports,
DKSH GmbH
Additionally, with an increased focus on health and wellness, and a higher level of
expectation regarding food safety, nutrition and traceability, consumers in Germany are
making informed choices regarding their purchases, Frozen seafood products, particularly
frozen shrimp are in high demand among consumers based on convenience-oriented
consumption patterns for frozen food products, Frozen shrimp under HS code 03061792 is
therefore well aligned with German consumer preferences,
Multicultural Germany, with the big amount of immigrants, boosts a diversity of food
tastes and further supports demand for seafood products coming from various origins,
especially from Asia,
Germany is a key center for importing goods in the EU, specifically food and agricultural
items, Import of seafood is one of the major contributors to the total food imports in
Germany, The European Union has also been identified as one of the prime shrimp-
consuming countries in the world, As per recent trade data from the EU, the total import of
shrimp during the first eight months of 2025 was 289,142 tons valued at EUR 1,8 billion,
Vietnam has established a strong position as a leading supplier to the EU for shrimp
products, proving that it is feasible and economical for Vietnamese shrimp exports,
Furthermore, the EU and Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) also shows that
Vietnamese shrimp exports are treated with preferential tariffs, making it cheaper than other
countries that do not have such free trade agreements, which makes Germany an extremely
attractive market for Vietnamese imports of frozen shrimp,
Germany is one of the most important seafood consumption markets in the European
Union and has emerged as a key destination for Vietnamese shrimp exports within the EU
bloc, As the largest economy in Europe, Germany plays a central role in regional seafood
distribution, with imported shrimp being re-exported to neighboring countries such as
France, the Netherlands, and Eastern European markets, According to the Vietnam
Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), shrimp exports from Vietnam to
the European Union have maintained stable growth in recent years, with Germany
consistently ranking among the top three EU importers of Vietnamese shrimp, In 2022,
Germany accounted for a significant proportion of Vietnam’s shrimp export turnover to the
EU, particularly in the segments of processed and value-added shrimp products,
Indicator Value
Table 1, Vietnam’s Shrimp Exports to Germany - Market Structure and Growth (Q1/2025)
In the German market, Vietnamese shrimp faces competition from other major shrimp-
exporting countries such as Ecuador, India, Thailand, and Indonesia, Ecuador, in particular,
has gained market share in Germany due to its competitive pricing and large-scale production
of white-leg shrimp, However, Vietnamese shrimp maintains a competitive advantage in the
segment of processed and value-added products, where quality consistency, product
diversity, and compliance with EU standards are critical, Additionally, Vietnam’s
participation in the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has contributed to
improved market access by reducing import tariffs on shrimp products over time, thereby
enhancing price competitiveness in the German market,
- MFN duties: This is the tariff rate applied by Germany to goods originating from WTO
member countries, The rate is determined by the EU but must comply with the EU’s tariff
commitments under the WTO and is applied without any additional conditions, As Viet
Nam is a WTO member, Vietnamese goods are entitled to this treatment automatically
and do not need to meet any specific requirements to benefit from it,
- Applied Tariff: This is the actual import duty charged by Germany (the EU) on the
product under the MFN regime, It is applied at the border based on the customs value of
the goods and represents the default rate when no preferential trade agreement is used,
- Preferential tariff for Viet Nam: This is the reduced import duty granted to Vietnamese
goods under the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), It applies only when the
goods meet the rules of origin and are accompanied by valid proof of origin, allowing
eligible products to enter the EU at a lower or zero tariff rate,
2.4.2. Import Customs Procedures in Germany:
- Filing the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS): The ENS must be submitted to the
customs office at the first port of entry, The filing deadline depends on the mode of
transport, for example: at least 1 hour before arrival for road transport; at least 24 hours
before loading begins at the foreign port for containerized sea transport; and at least 4
hours before arrival at the first airport for air transport with long-haul flights of 4 hours or
more,
- Filing the Import Declaration: After the goods arrive, the importer must submit an
import declaration, also known as the Single Administrative Document (SAD), which is
used uniformly across all EU Member States, The SAD can be submitted either:
(i) in person at the designated customs office; or (ii) electronically via the customs IT
system, When carrying out customs procedures, the importer must use their EORI
number,
- Verification of import documents: German customs authorities verify whether the
required import documents are complete and valid,
- Physical inspection of the means of transport and goods, if necessary,
- Collection of import duties, taxes, and other charges,
If the goods are to benefit from tariff preferences under the GSP or EVFTA, the corresponding
proof of origin must be submitted,
Sea Freight - Ocean transport ~28-36+ days Moderate cost Highly suitable:
Refrigerated using 20’/40’ from Cai Mep - per unit; most ensures quality at -
Container reefer Thi Vai to cost efficient for 18°C throughout;
(Reefer) containers with Hamburg bulk frozen aligns with EU food
temperature (North Europe) seafood; extra safety and cold chain
control from depending on charges may requirements,
origin port to schedule and apply (FIO,
Germany, transshipment THC, BAF,
Reefers routing, PSS), Suitable
maintain for large
consistent cold volumes,
chain
environment
throughout the
voyage,
Air Freight - Air transport ~2-5 days door- Very high cost; Less suitable for mass
Refrigerated with cold chain to-door suitable for small export due to high
Cargo containers depending on shipments or cost; may be feasible
(Reefer Air) maintaining low flight emergency for premium smaller
temperature connections, replenishment; batches or urgent
during flight, expensive for delivery,
Fastest delivery bulk frozen
mode, shrimp,
- Sea Freight - Refrigerated Container (Reefer): Standard choice for frozen seafood exports
due to ability to maintain -18°C throughout transit, preserving shrimp quality, Large shipping
lines such as Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO operate frequent-connection reefers on
Asia-Europe routes, Estimated seafreight transit time (Vietnam → Hamburg) averages 28 to
36+ days under normal conditions,
- Air Freight: Offers fastest delivery, but significantly higher costs per kg compared with sea
freight and limited capacity for large frozen loads, Generally not cost-efficient for high-
volume shrimp exports, but can be used for urgent replenishment or small premium
shipments,
- Multimodal Transport: Sea freight to a major European hub (like Hamburg) combined with
rail or refrigerated truck delivery to final destinations (e,g,, internal Germany or neighboring
EU countries), Provides flexibility for distribution beyond port of arrival while maintaining
cold chain,
[Link] and Shipping Line
For the export of frozen shrimp from Viet Nam to Germany, the primary shipping route is
from Cat Lai Port to Hamburg via sea freight using refrigerated containers (reefers), Shipments
are commonly loaded at Cat Lai Port and transported along the Asia-Europe maritime route,
transiting through major international hub ports such as Singapore or Tanjung Pelepas
(Malaysia), The vessel then continues through the Suez Canal and proceeds to Port of Hamburg,
Germany’s largest seaport and a key gateway for seafood imports into Northern Europe,
Under normal operating conditions, the estimated transit time on this route ranges from 30 to
36 days, depending on vessel schedules, congestion at transshipment ports, and seasonal factors,
This route is widely used for frozen seafood exports due to its high carrying capacity, cost
efficiency, and suitability for temperature-controlled cargo,
Several major international shipping lines provide regular reefer container services on the Ho
Chi Minh City – Hamburg route, including Maersk , MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, and
Hapag-Lloyd, Among these carriers, Hapag-Lloyd is particularly well known for its expertise in
refrigerated cargo, offering advanced reefer technology, stable sailing schedules, and continuous
temperature monitoring throughout the voyage, These shipping lines ensure compliance with EU
cold chain and food safety requirements, making them reliable service providers for frozen
shrimp exports to Germany,
- Cost and Additional Fee : We need to make a price comparison among shipment lines, the
partner who can offer the reasonable total cost, good service quality will be our best choice,
In addition, different kinds of additional fees such as : surcharges ( BAF, CAF, PSS, PCS,
GRI,COD,,,,), documentation, local charges, peak season surcharge,,,, should also be
carefully considered as a sudden fee will affect the budget and previous calculations,
- Goods characteristics and maintenance : in carrier selection criteria, goods characteristics
is an indispensable point, as it will affect directly when considering transit time, and the
maintenance methods will decide the goods’ quality, For example : perishability of fresh fruit
and seafood, these kinds of goods need fast shipping time and suitable preservation in reefer
containers (RF) to maintain goods quality,
- Transport route and Schedule Reliability : Waterway Transport is our best selection with
many advantages as it is the most cost-effective way, and the transport route is really
important to be carefully considered, the company which produces a clear route and less
intermediary party will be ideal, Moreover, Schedule reliability ensures the goods will be
shipped on time, avoiding cost overrun for other types of fee,
- Shipping Line Reputation : this factor affects safety and accuracy, Experienced companies
are able to solve unexpected situations, The rate of delay, loss of documentation will be
restricted to the maximum extent,
- Risk management and security : the carriers which offer great Trade Protectionism Policy,
with full of experience in solving problems when the goods are damaged will be our priority,
[Link] Planning
- Warehouse: Exporter’s cold storage facility in the Mekong Delta, Viet Nam
- Port of Loading (POL): Cat Lai Port, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam,
- Port of Discharge (POD): Port of Hamburg, Germany
- Final warehouse: Cold storage warehouse of the importer/distributor in Hamburg, Germany
Stage 2: At Cat Lai Port, the containers are loaded onto an ocean-going container vessel
operated by major shipping lines such as Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, or
Hapag - Lloyd, The shipment follows a direct or one-transshipment Asia - Europe route to
Northern Europe, depending on vessel schedules, The average ocean transit time from Cat Lai
Port to Hamburg Port is approximately 30 to 36 days,
Stage 3: Upon arrival at the Port of Hamburg, containers are unloaded and undergo customs
clearance and veterinary inspection in accordance with EU regulations on seafood imports, After
clearance, the containers are transported by refrigerated truck to the importer’s cold storage
warehouse in Hamburg, This final inland transportation stage normally takes within 1 day,
The total transportation time from the exporter’s warehouse in Viet Nam to the importer’s
warehouse in Germany is approximately 32-38 days, including inland transport, ocean freight,
customs clearance, and final delivery,
Sea freight using refrigerated containers is the most appropriate transportation mode for
frozen shrimp due to:
This shipment planning ensures product quality preservation, cost optimization, and timely
delivery, making it suitable for the export of frozen whiteleg shrimp from Viet Nam to the
German market,
CIF
EXW (Ca Mau FOB (Cat Lai (Hamburg DDP
Service Unit Quantity
Province) Port) Port, ( Germany)
Germany)
Total cost of
25000 2,375,000,000 2,375,000,000 2,375,000,000 2,375,000,000
goods VND/Kg
Pre- carriage
Packing Carton 2500 37,500,000 37,500,000 37,500,000 37,500,000
Mark and Label Carton 2500 500,000 500,000 500,000 500,000
Export customer 250,000 250,000 250,000
clearance Bill
DOC - Chứng từ 3,150,000 3,150,000 3,150,000
xuất khẩu Set
Inland freight to
Container 7,000,000 7,000,000 7,000,000
main carrier 40RF
Container 988,200 988,200 988,200
LILO origin 40RF
THC - Phí xếp Container 6,400,000 6,400,000 6,400,000
dỡ cảng đi 40RF
Main-carriage
Container 39,615,230 39,615,230
Ocean Freight 40RF
Marine
insurance Bill 1,608,705 1,608,705
*Surcharges
Outbound B/L
fee for agent Bill 900,000 900,000
Container 250,000 250,000 250,000
SEL -Seal fee 40RF
FUG - 600,000 600,000 600,000
Fumigation
charge Job
LSS - Low Container
Sulfur Surcharge 40RF
EBS -
Emergency
Bunker Container
Surcharge 40RF
AMS - Phí khai 10,781,750 10,781,750 10,781,750
an ninh cảng đến Bill
TLR - Telex 800,000 800,000 800,000
Surcharge Bill
Inbound B/L fee 12,167,975
for agent Bill
Cleaning fee Container 5,390,875
(IB) 40RF
Equipment fee Container 708,515
(IB) 40RF
On-carriage
Import custom Container 18,483,000
clearance 40RF
formalities
THC - Phí xếp Container 12,938,100
dỡ cảng đến 40RF
Import Duty Bill
Unload charge Container
40RF
Delivery charge Container 6,153,400
40RF
COST 166,185,750
INCOTETRMS 38,000,000 68,219,950 110,343,885
Cost finance
EXW FOB CIF DDP
At Sight 0 0 0 0
Deferred(1months) 24,130,000 73,296,599 74,560,317 76,235,573
Deferred(3months) 72,390,000 73,296,599 149,120,633 76,235,573
Total Cost
Mark up
Total Revenue