If you, as an entrepreneur, deliver goods or services abroad, the German government provides protection and security through targeted guarantee and funding instruments — even under politically or economically uncertain conditions.
What are the options?
Export credit guarantees ("Hermes guarantees")
Export credit guarantees secure exports by German enterprises and the financing banks — protecting against payment defaults or country risks. This allows you to safeguard against political or economic risks abroad and increase your planning security when exporting.
Investment guarantees
If you make direct investments abroad — for example, production facilities or shares — an investment guarantee can protect you against political damage. This provides effective protection for your projects and safeguards your investment even in politically unstable regions.
"APG light" – the simplified coverage for SMEs
Specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (up to around 1 million euros of export revenue per year), the simplified export cover "APG light" serves well for standardized export transactions with short payment terms. The process is straightforward and largely online — perfect for businesses exporting regularly but on a manageable scale.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about Export Financing and Insurance
What does coverage include?
Coverage protects your export business against political and economic risks. These include payment defaults due to political events, government interventions, or economic difficulties of the foreign customer. The goal is to provide you with planning security even in riskier foreign markets.
Which claims are covered?
Claims from deliveries and services in foreign trade are covered. This includes payment claims from goods exports or services arising from the covered export contract.
What are the differences compared to conventional APG?
Compared to the conventional Export Guarantee Scheme (APG), "APG light" is significantly simplified. The coverage is specifically aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises with manageable export volumes and standardized transactions. The administrative effort is reduced, and the application process is simpler.
Are assignments for refinancing possible?
Yes. Claims from covered export businesses can be assigned to banks for refinancing purposes. This facilitates the financing of your export project and improves your liquidity planning.
What is contractually agreed?
Contractual agreements include the scope of coverage, the risks covered, the deductible, and the duration of the coverage. The agreements are transparently defined and tailored to the specific export transaction.
Is online processing possible?
Yes. Especially for simplified procedures like "APG light," an almost entirely digital application and processing is possible. This saves time and makes access to export insurance easier – particularly for smaller companies.
Why does it make sense for your company?
Risk management minimizes the likelihood of payment defaults or damage caused by political and economic crises. Reliable guarantees provide small and medium-sized enterprises with more financial predictability, enabling stable export and investment transactions.
Secured exports also help you present yourself safely and confidently in international markets.
How can you benefit from our support?
Contact your local German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK) or the Hermes Aktiengesellschaft, which administers export credit and investment guarantees on behalf of the federal government.
For investment guarantees, you can alternatively reach out to PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft (PwC): Guarantees for direct investments - Investment guarantees
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Contact
Olga van Zijverden
Director Foreign Trade Policy