Electronic Certificates of Origin

Most electronic certificates of origin (eCOs) issued in 2024 were destined for Turkey (180,000), followed by China, UAE, and India. The high demand in Turkey underscores the continued importance of proof of origin in trade, such as due to past additional tariffs. Over 46,000 domestic certificates were also issued to ensure supply chain proof within Germany.

Carnets for Temporary Exports

The number of ATA/CPD Carnets issued in 2024 remained stable at 21,634 documents. These enable businesses to temporarily export goods such as trade fair items, professional equipment, or prototypes to third countries with ease. The electronic application process is widely embraced, and the fully digital carnet is already in pilot operation — including QR code solutions for customs. The main carnet destination countries are Switzerland, Great Britain, and the USA.

Demand for Chamber of Commerce and Industry Events and Consultations

With over 90,500 participants, foreign trade-related Chamber of Commerce and Industry events set a new record. Businesses are increasingly seeking information on customs procedures, export controls, sanctions law, and international markets. The Chambers conducted 417,000 consultations – clear evidence of the high demand for practical guidance in a challenging environment.

Resilient Supply Chains and Maritime Security

Global supply chains remain fragile. Attacks on ships in the Red Sea or extended transport routes over the Cape of Good Hope highlight the dependence of global trade on secure sea routes (page 8). The DIHK addressed these matters, including at the Munich Security Conference 2025, to underline the significance of maritime security for German businesses.

Sanctions & Geopolitics

EU sanctions against Russia remain a central consultation focus. While the effort has slightly decreased, it remains significant. At the same time, the relevance of US sanctions against China and Chinese counter-sanctions is rising. Around 29 % of the Chambers advise on US measures against China, 21 % on Chinese counter-measures. Increasingly, businesses plan a “dual goods circulation” for separate EU–US and EU–China operations.

CBAM, Supply Chain Laws & EUDR

New regulatory requirements pose significant challenges for businesses:

• CBAM: 45 % of Chambers report high consultation efforts. Even small supply amounts are affected; many firms struggle with complex data demands.
• LkSG (Supply Chain Act): Strong “trickle-down effect” leads to high bureaucracy for suppliers. Many companies demand reform or suspension until EU harmonisation.
• EUDR (Deforestation Regulation): Over 30 % of Chambers report high consultation efforts. Businesses must provide geo-referenced data – a challenge in many countries.

Posting Employees Abroad

The demand for advice on postings abroad is rising, especially concerning Switzerland, France, Italy, and Austria. Businesses increasingly face complex reporting obligations and minimum wage regulations.

E-Commerce & Customs Reform

The booming online trade places EU businesses under immense competitive distortions. Numerous non-European providers bypass existing standards. The DIHK therefore calls for:

• consistent implementation of the Digital Services Act,
• reform of WTO rules,
• better control of the IOSS system,
• accelerated implementation of EU customs reform.

The planned abolition of the 150-euro customs exemption by 2028 will significantly influence international trade streams.

Goods Origin, Preferences & Trade Agreements

Chambers of Commerce and Industry provide intensive advice on origin rules, preference agreements, and supplier declarations, which are crucial for businesses to avoid tariffs and benefit from international trade agreements.

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DIHK Foreign Trade Report 2025 (PDF, 2 MB) (only available in German)