Finance Stack for German Import/Export Business
Setup for B2B trading, import/export. International payments, customs, currency management.
How This Stack Works
International payments via Qonto/Wise → sevDesk handles invoices with Reverse Charge → Track inventory costs → finban monitors cash flow → DATEV to Steuerberater
App Compatibility
Apps & Services in This Stack
Each category below shows the recommended app or service and alternatives. Click on any item to learn more.
Qonto
Modern business banking for SMEs and startups. Multi-user access, virtual cards, integrations.
Why this choice
Qonto excels for import/export businesses with competitive international transfer rates, multi-currency account capabilities, and SEPA instant payments for European suppliers. For high-volume foreign exchange, pairing with Wise Business provides access to mid-market rates and local account details in 40+ countries for receiving payments.
When to switch
Add Wise Business for better FX rates on large volumes.
Alternatives
Why this choice
sevDesk handles the complexity of import/export accounting including automatic Reverse Charge VAT application for EU transactions, Intrastat reporting preparation, and multi-currency transaction recording. The platform manages high transaction volumes efficiently and provides the documentation needed for customs audits and VAT compliance.
When to switch
N/A
Alternatives
Why this choice
sevDesk generates legally compliant international invoices with correct Reverse Charge notices, EU VAT ID validation, and multi-currency support with automatic exchange rate application. The system creates professional documents that meet both German requirements and international trade standards for cross-border B2B transactions.
When to switch
N/A
Why this choice
finban is essential for import/export businesses facing large invoice amounts, extended payment terms of 60-90 days, and currency fluctuation risks. The platform models cash flow scenarios across different currencies, helps plan for customs duty payments, and identifies potential gaps between supplier payments and customer collections.
When to switch
N/A
Alternatives
Accountable Tax Service
Combination of tax software and human tax advisors for freelancers.
Why this choice
Import/export tax advisory demands specialized knowledge of international VAT chains, customs duty classification, and transfer pricing for trading structures. A qualified advisor navigates triangular transactions, manages OSS registrations for B2C EU sales, and ensures proper documentation for tax-free intra-community supplies.
When to switch
N/A
About This Business Type
Import/export and wholesale businesses in Germany deal with international complexity: customs procedures, multi-currency transactions, cross-border VAT, and supplier relationships across jurisdictions. The finance stack must handle these while providing visibility into often thin margins where small errors become significant losses. German import requires customs clearance (Zollanmeldung), with duties and import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) paid before goods release. Import VAT is reclaimable on VAT returns, but the cash flow impact is real—you pay at import, reclaim later. Proper tariff classification (TARIC codes) affects duty rates significantly; misclassification creates audit exposure. EU vs. non-EU transactions have different requirements. Intra-EU B2B is typically VAT-free with proper documentation (Innergemeinschaftliche Lieferung). Non-EU export is VAT-free but requires export proof. Import from non-EU involves customs and Einfuhrumsatzsteuer. Your systems must track these distinctions accurately.
Common Challenges
- Multi-currency transaction management
- Customs procedure compliance
- Import VAT cash flow timing
- Thin margin management
- International payment terms and risks
Compliance Requirements
- Zollanmeldung and TARIC classification
- Einfuhrumsatzsteuer handling
- Innergemeinschaftliche Lieferung documentation
- EORI registration requirement
- Intrastat reporting obligations
Why This Stack Works
- Multi-currency accounting
- Customs documentation management
- Import VAT tracking
- International payment management
- Supplier and customer tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
How does import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) work in Germany?
When importing from non-EU countries, you pay 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer at customs clearance (plus applicable duties). This is reclaimable as Vorsteuer on your next VAT return, but the cash outlay occurs first. For high-volume importers, this creates significant cash flow timing issues. Consider: import financing, deferral programs (Aufschubkonto), or bonded warehouse (Zolllager) strategies.
What's required for Innergemeinschaftliche Lieferung?
Selling to EU business customers VAT-free requires: valid customer VAT ID (verify via VIES), goods physically leave Germany, proper documentation (Gelangensbestätigung or alternative proof). Record in Zusammenfassende Meldung (EC Sales List). If any requirement fails, German VAT applies. Keep documentation meticulously—auditors specifically check intra-EU transactions. Incorrect treatment creates significant VAT liability.
What is Intrastat and when must I report?
Intrastat tracks goods movement within EU for statistics. Reporting required if annual intra-EU arrivals exceed €800k or dispatches exceed €500k. Monthly reports detail: goods type, value, partner country, quantity, transport mode. Non-compliance brings fines. Track your cumulative EU transactions—crossing thresholds triggers reporting for the following year. Many ERP systems automate Intrastat.
How should import/export businesses manage currency risk?
Options: invoice in EUR (shifts risk to customer/supplier), match currency (buy and sell in same currency), hedging (forward contracts for large predictable flows), maintain multi-currency accounts. Track unrealized currency gains/losses. For significant exposure, consider working with a treasury advisor. Many German import/export businesses prefer EUR pricing where possible to simplify operations.
Information on this page is sourced from publicly available data (official websites, pricing pages). Prices and features may change. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.
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