Export Animal Products to Germany
This country is a member state of the European Union. In addition to any commodity-specific information listed on this page, the European Union has harmonized requirements for certain animal-origin products. Visit Export Animal Products to the European Union to learn more about harmonized protocols.
Language Requirement for Certificates
Germany generally requires certificates for consignments from the United States to be in both English and German. [Some border inspection posts (BIPs) may be willing to accept English certificates without official translations- exporters should have their importers confirm with the BIP prior to shipment if English certificates are acceptable.] In cases where the BIP requires the certificate to be in German, the importer can obtain an "official" translation of English certificates from any licensed translation service in Germany. After APHIS endorses the English version, the U.S. exporter can send the certificate via a courier service to the importer who can then have the translation service attach the German translation prior to presentation to the German BIP when the consignment arrives. If the importer has questions about whether a particular translation service in Germany is licensed, they should check with the pertinent BIP. Alternatively, the exporter can work with their importer to create a truly bilingual version of the certificate prior to presentation to APHIS for endorsement.
Species of Origin
Germany requires certificates to list the scientific name of the species of animal from which exported materials are derived. This is required in Section I.28 on most certificates. Specific terminology (required for species of origin) varies by the German port. Exporters should have their importers confirm (prior to preparation of certificates) the specific terminology the German port requires for the “scientific name."
Commodity Specific Information
Fishing baits (10.79 KB) - April 2010
Peritoneal fluid and derivatives (11 KB) - July 2012
Samples (research and diagnostic) (54.98 KB) - September 2013
Need Help Exporting Animal Products?
If you have any questions or concerns about the procedures and requirements for exporting animal products, or to obtain a zoosanitary certificate for an animal product, contact the APHIS Veterinary Services office covering the area from which the product will be exported, the area in which your office is located, or the area in which the product is manufactured.
Certificate Endorsement or Export Questions
For animal product export certificate endorsement or questions, select your State or Territory to email the appropriate office and include "Animal products: endorsement or question" plus your State or Territory's name in the subject line. Note: Offices may serve multiple States and Territories.
Facility Inspections or Questions
For animal product export facility inspection requests or questions, select your State or Territory to email the appropriate office and include "Facility Inspection" plus your State or Territory's name in the subject line. Note: Offices may serve multiple States and Territories.