exportHave the accompanying document (ABD) created
Are you shipping goods from Germany to a third country? Paket International supports private and business customers with required export declarations and integrates the export control document (EBD) with the shipping process. Platinum customers also have access to an automated, real-time workflow.
- ABD service for individual shipments and regular exports
- Assign MRN, shipping label and goods documents to a shipment
- Platinum: Automated use of existing shipping and customs data
Your export process at a glance
From the initial information to the confirmed outcome.
Prepare participants, articles, and values.
Open the customs procedure and wait for release.
Pass on references and documents appropriately.
Document the confirmed goods dispatch.
ABD and MRN are part of the export procedure. Confirmation of the actual outcome will follow later.
What is an export accompanying document?
The export accompanying document summarizes information on the electronically declared export. In the German two-stage procedure, it is available after being released by the export customs office. It contains the MRN (Maritime Registration Number) for assigning the customs transaction.
ABD
The export accompanying document contains the relevant registration data. It is used for further export processing. Which documents or references must accompany the shipment depends on the procedure and the carrier.
DNR
The Master Reference Number (MRN) is the unique reference for the customs transaction. In export procedures, it consists of 18 digits. It is noted on the Export Accompanying Document (EAD) and is different from the package or tracking number.
Exit note
The export confirmation documents the confirmed departure of the goods from the EU customs territory. It can serve as proof of export for tax purposes in the electronic export procedure. The export confirmation alone does not yet confirm this departure.
The export declaration is part of the documentation. The commercial invoice, pro forma invoice, and any other supporting documents must also match the shipment. You can find an overview on our page about... Export documents.
When do I need an ABD for my shipment?
For regular commercial export shipments, an electronic export declaration is generally required if the statistical value exceeds €1.000 or the net weight exceeds 1.000 kilograms. The electronic export declaration (EBD) is part of the processing procedure for the corresponding export process.
Electronic registration may also be required below these thresholds, for example, for goods requiring approval or special formalities. Non-commercial shipments and special procedures must be assessed separately.
The value of goods is not always the invoice amount.
The value threshold is based on the statistical value. For example, a portion of the shipping costs may be added to the invoice price during a sale. Determine the applicable value for the specific shipping method.
Looking at several boxes together
An export shipment can consist of several packages. Dividing it into boxes does not exempt it from the obligation to declare the shipment. Separate regulations apply to the handling of individual packages in postal shipments.
Small shipments do not mean customs-free.
Simplified registration procedures may be applicable for suitable goods up to and including both borders. Import duties in the destination country and additional document requirements must be checked separately.
ABD creation for all customers. Automation for Platinum.
Whether it's a single export shipment or recurring exports: Paket International integrates the processing with your shipping data. The Platinum advantage lies in the additional level of automation.
Have ABD created
For customers who wish to submit the required export declaration along with their shipment.
- Provide relevant information and documents for the process.
- Assign ABD and MRN to the appropriate shipping order.
- Coordinate the handover to the selected carrier.
Automating ABD processes
For regular exports where the existing platform data is to be used directly in the export process.
- Automated processing of shipping, goods and customs data.
- Link ABD and MRN with labels, tracking, and documents.
- Coordinate the process with your connected system.
What real time means here: Data processing and integration into the shipping process can be automated. Complete information and customs clearance remain prerequisites. Processing by customs is not a guaranteed instant service.
What information is required for an ABD (Application for a Federal Data Processing).
Reconcile the invoice, itemized goods, and shipping order. The following checklist summarizes important information; depending on the goods and procedures, further data or documentation may be required.
| Area | Prepare this information |
|---|---|
| Participants & Roles | Sender, exporter for customs purposes, consignee, and, if applicable, any different declarant or representative: full names, addresses, and contact details. Clarify required EORI numbers and any necessary power of attorney. |
| Goods items | A precise product description, quantity, applicable commodity code, and country of origin are required for each item. Item numbers alone do not replace a clear description. |
| Values & Invoice | Commercial or pro forma invoice, individual and total values, currency, and information for determining the statistical value. Even free goods require a verifiable valuation. |
| Weights & Packages | Net weight, gross weight, and number of packages. The goods items must be assignable to the packages. |
| Shipping method & deadline | Country of destination, carrier, service, planned pickup date and delivery conditions. The customs office of exit and transport procedure must match the declaration. |
| Shipping purpose & proof of delivery | Correctly classify sales, samples, returns, repairs, or temporary exports. Provide all existing supporting documents, previous customs references, and any necessary permits. |
Describe precisely: Instead of "spare parts," specify, for example, "replacement steel gear for bicycle gears." The commodity code and origin must then match the actual goods. For the German export declaration, the eight-digit commodity code is generally relevant.
This is how ABD creation works with the International package
Plan to submit the export declaration before handing the goods over to the carrier. The specific procedure depends on the shipping service, customs procedures, and required checks.
Coordinate data and procedures
They provide the relevant product and shipping information. The agreed service clarifies the registration requirements and necessary documents for your shipment.
Register and wait for the transfer.
The electronic export declaration is submitted for the agreed-upon process. After acceptance and release by customs, the necessary references and documents are available for further processing.
References handed over to the carrier
MRN, ABD, and shipping order must match. Forward the required documents or electronic references according to the specifications of the booked service.
Confirm and document the outcome
Once the shipment has actually left the EU customs territory, the export process is completed by customs. Attach the export confirmation and any other supporting documents to your invoice and shipment.
Questions about the export accompanying document and its creation
The most important answers regarding registration requirements, data, costs and the difference between a document and proof of export.
Requirements & Terms
What is an export accompanying document (EAD)?
The Export Control Document (ECD) is a document for the electronically declared export transaction. In the German two-stage process, it is made available after the goods have been released for export. It contains, among other things, the MRN (Minimum Reference Number). The ECD supports further processing but does not replace the commercial invoice or the confirmation of the subsequent goods release.
From what value do I need an electronic export declaration?
For regular commercial export shipments, electronic registration is generally required if the statistical value exceeds €1.000 or the net weight exceeds 1.000 kilograms. Special goods, licensing requirements, and formalities may necessitate electronic registration even below these thresholds. Please review the entire export process and the booked shipping service.
Do I even need customs documents for amounts under €1.000?
Yes, it depends on the shipment. Simplified declaration forms are available for suitable small shipments up to and including €1.000 in statistical value and 1.000 kilograms net weight. The invoice, customs declaration, and the requirements of the importing country remain relevant. Additional regulations apply to goods with special formalities or certain shipping routes.
Is the statistical value the same as the invoice amount?
Not always. The statistical value reflects the valuation for the relevant border crossing. In the case of a purchase transaction, it is derived from the invoice price and can be adjusted for relevant cost components. A value can also be determined even without a sale. Special valuation rules apply to postal shipments.
ABD Service & Automation
Can Paket International also create an ABD for private customers?
Yes. The ABD service is available to both private and business customers as part of the shipping process. Whether a specific shipment requires an electronic export declaration is determined on a case-by-case basis. Private shipments are not automatically subject to the same requirements as commercial sales.
What is different about the ABD service for Platinum customers?
Platinum customers can use the ABD process as an automated, real-time workflow with existing shipping, goods, and customs data. The MRN can be linked to shipping labels, tracking information, and documentation. The registration requirements and customs clearance procedures remain unchanged.
How long does it take to have an ABD (Administrative Identification Document) created?
This depends on the completeness of the data, the procedure, and the processing by customs. Inquiries or checks can extend the process. Therefore, please coordinate the process before the planned collection. Even an automated workflow does not guarantee immediate release by customs.
How much does it cost to create an export accompanying document?
Have the price for your specific shipment confirmed before placing your order. Have the destination country, itemized list, value, weight, and desired shipping service ready. Clarify which export processing services are included in the quote and whether any additional services are required.
Data, handover & proof
Do I need an EORI number for the export declaration?
Economic operators generally require an EORI number. Exceptions may apply to private individuals for occasional customs declarations. However, it may still be required for exports subject to authorization or certain permits. Clarify your role as exporter, declarant, or representative before submitting your declaration.
Can I create the export declaration myself using ATLAS or IAA-Plus?
Yes. Companies can use a suitable ATLAS connection or the free online export declaration Plus. Alternatively, a customs representative can be appointed. If you declare yourself, the procedures, customs offices, and references must match the booked shipping service. Forward existing declaration data to the carrier in a timely manner.
Does the ABD (Automatic Identification Document) need to be printed and attached to the outside of the package?
This depends on the carrier, shipping product, and procedure. For example, DHL Parcel International requires adherence to the specified printouts and markings. Other processes utilize electronic data or references. Follow the specific handover guidelines; an MRN (Managed Reference Number) in your own system alone does not guarantee correct handover.
Is the ABD sufficient as proof of export for tax purposes?
The export control document (ECD) alone does not confirm the actual export of the goods. In electronic export procedures, this is regularly confirmed by the export declaration, or, if applicable, by a permissible alternative proof. Assign the documents to the relevant transaction and retain the required customs notifications. A VAT-exempt export delivery requires the fulfillment of all legal requirements.
Prepare your export declaration in accordance with the shipping requirements.
Coordinate the ABD processing for your next shipment or plan an automated export process with Paket International.
Editorial Team Package International · Expert Source Review: The requirements depend on the specific export process and shipping service.