Sending a package to Mongolia: Customs, taxes and delivery time
From Germany to Ulaanbaatar and Mongolia: How to prepare business shipments safely
Mongolia lies between China and Russia and is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of area, but also one of the most sparsely populated. For German companies, the country is particularly interesting in the areas of machinery, vehicle technology, mining equipment, energy, and industrial products.
- Shipping from Germany to Mongolia
- Parcel, express and freight solutions
- Shipping to Ulaanbaatar and other regions
- Prepare customs and shipping data digitally
- 10% import VAT must be taken into account.
- Check customs duty rate according to HS code
- State the correct merchandise value
- Prepare import documents before shipping
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For Mongolia, thorough preparation of the import is crucial.
There are several borders and a long transport route between Germany and Mongolia.
Therefore, the goods description, customs tariff number, value of goods and origin should be fully determined before collection.
Potential import permits should also be checked early for regulated goods.
Include 10% VAT in your calculations.
A value-added tax (VAT) of 10 percent is generally levied on imported goods in Mongolia. Exceptions or special regulations apply to certain goods.
Determine customs duty rate based on goods
The amount of import duty depends on the specific tariff classification. Many goods fall into the lower tariff range, but some products are subject to higher rates.
Prepare import documents completely
The commercial invoice, goods description, HS code and other documents should match the electronically transmitted customs data.
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Important information about customs and import duties
DAP or DDP to Mongolia: Determine import costs in advance
Before a business shipment, it should be clearly agreed who will handle the import clearance and any resulting duties.
For DAP The seller organizes the transport to the agreed destination.
The recipient is generally responsible for import clearance and any import costs.
This can include:
- Import duty
- 10% VAT
- Excise taxes, if applicable
- Handling fees
- Customs broker fees
- additional product-specific fees
For DDP In contrast, the seller assumes the agreed import costs and further obligations, provided that the respective carrier and the import situation allow this.
This can create greater cost transparency, especially for B2C shipments or fixed delivery prices for business customers.
Before making a DDP offer, at least the following should be checked:
- HS code
- Customs value
- Customs duty
- 10% VAT
- Country of origin
- possible excise taxes
- Import permits
- Carrier and handling fees
A Landed Cost Calculation This helps to consider transport and import costs together before shipping.
What is the import duty in Mongolia?
The import duty depends on the specific type of goods.
The Mongolian Investment and Trade Agency generally specifies tariff rates for imported goods between:
5 and 20 percent.
However, the actual rate may vary depending on the tariff item or be influenced by special regulations.
The WTO indicates an average applied MFN tariff for Mongolia in 2025 of:
5,2%
.
However, an average value is only of limited help for a specific customs invoice.
The following are always crucial:
- Customs tariff number
- Type of goods
- cart value
- Origin
- possibly special customs regulations
Additional excise taxes may apply to certain goods.
This includes, for example, individual vehicles, alcohol, or tobacco products.
The customs value is not always just the invoice amount.
The Mongolian customs administration generally uses the transaction value as the most important basis for determining customs value.
Certain costs may be added to this.
Examples of relevant examples include:
- cart value
- Transport costs
- Insurance
- further costs until import
For more information, please visit Calculate customs value correctly.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Mongolia?
The Mongolian value added tax is internationally known as:
Value Added Tax, or VAT for short
bezeichnet.
The standard tax rate is:
10%.
This principle also applies in principle to goods imported into Mongolia.
However, certain products are subject to tax exemptions or special tax rates.
The Mongolian tax administration, for example, mentions special regulations for certain fuels as well as various goods that are explicitly exempt from tax.
In addition to VAT, the following may apply depending on the product:
-
- Import duty
- Excise tax
- Handling fees
- other statutory fees
Therefore, when using DDP or a landed cost calculation, one should not simply add ten percent to the invoice amount.
Regular VAT: 10%
Mongolian customs clearance is prepared digitally.
Mongolia is increasingly processing customs declarations electronically.
For this purpose, the Mongolian customs portal is used:
gaali.mn
.
Customs declarations are processed via this system.
However, according to the Mongolian Investment and Trade Agency, certain supporting documents must still be submitted to the customs authorities.
For German shippers, this means:
The digital information and the actual trading documents should match exactly.
Particularly important are:
- correct product description
- HS code
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Quantity and weight
- Sender data
- Recipient data
Depending on the goods, permits, test certificates or other documents may also be required.
For commercial imports, the recipient can also use a local customs agent.
You can find more information about the digital exchange of shipping and customs data at Paperless trade in international shipping.
Sending a package to Mongolia: What companies should know beforehand
Mongolia is a landlocked country in Central and East Asia.
It has no coastline of its own and borders exclusively on:
- China
- Russia
This also affects international transport routes.
The most important economic and logistical hub is:
Ulaanbaatar.
A large part of the population, as well as numerous companies and authorities, are located in the capital region.
Other relevant cities and economic centers include, for example:
- Erdenet
- darkhan
- Choibalsan
- Sainshand
What documents do I need for Mongolia?
For a commercial delivery of goods, the following documents and information should typically be prepared:
- Commercial invoice
- Transport document
- precise product description
- Customs tariff number
- cart value
- Country of origin
- Quantity and weight
- packing list (if applicable)
- Certificate of origin (if applicable)
- Import permits or certificates, if applicable.
A commercial invoice is used for a normal sale of goods.
For free samples, warranty replacements, or other goods movements without a traditional sale, a pro forma invoice may be appropriate.
Further information can be found at How to correctly use a pro forma invoice at customs.
Is there a free trade agreement between the EU and Mongolia?
There is currently no general free trade agreement between the European Union and Mongolia that automatically grants German goods a reduced import duty in Mongolia.
Trade relations are based, among other things, on:
EU-Mongolia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
In addition, Mongolia benefits from the European GSP+ system.
However, this system primarily concerns goods:
Mongolia → European Union.
This does not mean that a German machine is automatically duty-free when imported into Mongolia.
German exporters should therefore always check the Mongolian customs duty rate for the specific tariff item.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Mongolia?
For normal German exports to Mongolia, there is no general EU preferential arrangement where an EUR.1 automatically leads to a more favorable import duty.
Therefore, an EUR.1 certificate should not simply be issued as a precautionary measure.
If the recipient requires proof of origin, a non-preferential certificate of origin may be relevant instead, depending on the transaction.
However, this is a different type of proof than an EUR.1 certificate.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Mongolia?
DHL Parcel currently states a delivery time estimate of:
10 to 18 working days.
Express shipments are significantly faster.
DHL Express estimates the following for key destinations in Mongolia in 2026:
3 business days
for DHL Express Worldwide.
For shipments of goods subject to customs duties, an additional working day is indicated as a guideline.
However, the actual duration depends on several factors, including:
- Destination location
- Carrier
- Type of goods
- Customs clearance
- necessary permits
Outside of Ulaanbaatar, delivery may take significantly longer.
Provide product description in English
DHL currently accepts the following for Mongolia:
English
as the language for the customs declaration.
The description should therefore be clear and technically understandable.
Not:
"Parts"
but for example:
“Stainless steel hydraulic valve for mining excavator”
This makes the material, product, and intended use much clearer.
Inaccurate collective terms such as:
- Parts and accessories
- Samples
- Accessories
- Goods
- Equipment
should be avoided if possible.
Correctly writing an address in Mongolia
DHL requires Latin letters and Arabic numerals for international shipments.
One possible address format is, for example:
MR. TEMUUJIN DASHNYAM
6-R HOROOLOL-2, HUDALDAANII GUDAMJ-52/4
APARTMENT 30-29
ULAANBAATAR 15141
MONGOLIA
Phone number and email address should also be provided.
This makes it easier to get in touch with questions regarding import clearance and delivery.
Centrally store recurring customs data
In mechanical engineering, spare parts or technical components, the same items are often shipped multiple times.
Information such as:
- item Description
- HS code
- Origin
- Weight
- cart value
Therefore, they should ideally not be re-entered for every order.
Over a ERP or SAP shipping interface Such data can be automatically incorporated into the shipping process.
These errors are delaying shipments to Mongolia
Due to the long transport route, it is particularly annoying when a shipment is stopped only after arrival because of missing information.
Typical causes include:
- Product description too general
- HS code is missing or incorrect
- Value of goods not traceable
- Country of origin missing
- The commercial invoice is incomplete.
- The packing list and invoice do not match.
- Import permit was not checked
- The recipient cannot clear the import.
- Recipient's phone number is missing
Product data should be as accurate as possible, especially for machinery, technical equipment, and spare parts.
The term "spare parts" tells customs roughly the same thing as "something made of metal." Impressively concise, but rather useless for import clearance.
Therefore, for regular exports, it helps to standardize the required product information.
You can find out more at Automate shipping documents and reduce errors.
What goods are exported from Germany to Mongolia?
The Mongolian economy is heavily influenced by mining, raw materials, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
This creates demand, particularly for technical and industrial products.
For German companies, the following goods, for example, may be of interest:
- Machines and production facilities
- Mining equipment
- Machine spare parts
- Vehicle and commercial vehicle parts
- Electrical Engineering
- Measurement and testing technology
- Pumps and water technology
- Energy and solar technology
- Tools and workshop equipment
- IT and communication technology
Especially with machinery, spare parts and technical components, the correct customs tariff number should be determined before shipping.
It helps decide which customs duty rate and which possible import regulations apply.
You can find out more at Determine the correct customs tariff number.
Shipping information: Mongolia
Standard, express or freight to Mongolia?
Different shipping methods are available depending on size and urgency.
Standard package
For smaller and less time-critical shipments, a traditional parcel service can be used.
DHL Parcel currently states:
10 to 18 working days.
Express Shipping
For urgent spare parts or important business goods, express delivery is significantly faster.
DHL Express estimates approximately three working days for main deliveries to key destinations.
For goods subject to customs duties, additional processing time should be allowed.
Freight shipping
For machinery, pallets or larger quantities of goods, air, road and combined freight solutions are possible.
For more information, please visit international freight shipping.
How do goods get from Germany to Mongolia?
Mongolia does not have its own seaport.
This makes the transport routes significantly different from many other Asian markets.
Air freight plays an important role in time-critical shipments.
The most important international air traffic hub is Ulaanbaatar Airport.
For larger quantities of goods, road and rail connections are also an option.
Since Mongolia borders only China and Russia, land freight must cross at least one of these countries.
Which route is actually used depends on the carrier, the type of goods, current transit options and applicable foreign trade regulations.
For sea freight, the goods are first transported via a foreign port and then forwarded to Mongolia by rail or truck.
Therefore, for large B2B shipments, one should not only consider the pure sea freight price.
The subsequent overland transport to Ulaanbaatar or to the actual recipient can also account for a significant portion of the transport costs.
What import costs might arise in Mongolia?
Import costs can consist of several components.
Depending on the product, the following may be included:
- Import duty
- 10% VAT
- Excise tax (if applicable)
- Customs broker fees
- Carrier handling fees
- additional product-specific fees
The Mongolian Investment and Trade Agency cites regular import duties of approximately 5 to 20 percent, depending on the type of goods.
However, not all goods are treated the same.
Therefore, the specific customs duty rate should always be checked using the customs tariff number.
The relevant customs value should also be taken into account when calculating the actual total costs.
How much does a parcel to Mongolia cost?
The shipping price depends on several factors, including:
- Weight
- Package dimensions
- Volumetric weight
- Shipping service
- Standard or express shipping
- Target region
- Type of goods
- Additional Services
Especially for shipments outside of Ulaanbaatar, additional delivery or remote area surcharges may apply.
The volumetric weight can also significantly influence the price.
This is particularly relevant for large, but comparatively lightweight spare parts or technical components.
We explain how carriers calculate this value below. Understanding and calculating volumetric weight.
In addition to the transport costs, any import duties must be taken into account.
Online trade to Mongolia: Communicate additional costs transparently
Online shops can also deliver goods directly to customers in Mongolia.
However, this involves shipping to a third country.
In addition to the product price and shipping costs, the recipient may incur additional costs.
This may include:
- Import duty
- 10% VAT
- Carrier handling fees
- further product-dependent taxes
These costs should ideally be explained before the order is finalized.
Under DAP (Delivered on Postage and Delivery), the recipient generally bears the agreed import costs.
In contrast, a suitable DDP model can create more price transparency, provided that the carrier and import process support this shipping method.
For retailers, it can therefore be advantageous to include shipping and import costs directly in the shop.
You can find out more at Display shipping and import costs at checkout.
Mining and vast distances characterize shipping to Mongolia.
Mongolia has significant natural resources.
These include, among others:
- Coal
- Copper
- Gold
- fluorspar
- other minerals and ores
The mining sector requires a correspondingly large number of imported machines, vehicles and technical components.
Therefore, the following areas may be of particular interest to German companies:
- Mining machinery
- Materials Handling
- Plumber
- Pumps
- Electrical Engineering
- measuring systems
- workshop equipment
- Spare- and Wearparts
At the same time, the large distances within the country create special requirements for delivery.
Ulaanbaatar is logistically much easier to reach than distant mining or industrial areas.
Therefore, the actual recipient address should be taken into account when selecting a carrier.
Which carrier is suitable for Mongolia?
For shipments from Germany, various international parcel, express and freight providers are available.
Depending on the program profile, offers may include, for example:
- DHL
- DHL Express
- UPS
- FedEx
- international air and freight partners
be eligible.
Several factors should be considered when making a comparison:
- Shipping price
- Runtime
- Customs clearance
- Tracking
- Insurance
- Weight limits
- maximum package dimensions
- Target region
- Outlying area surcharges
Especially when it comes to urgent spare parts or production materials, the cheapest rate is not automatically the most economical solution.
Paket International enables a multi-carrier comparison, so that different shipping providers can be used depending on the shipment, destination and urgency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping
Can I send a package from Germany to Mongolia?
Yes. Parcels, express shipments, and business goods can be sent from Germany to Mongolia. Since Mongolia is outside the EU, shipments require complete customs information.
How long does it take for a package to arrive in Mongolia?
DHL Parcel currently estimates delivery times of 10 to 18 business days. DHL Express estimates approximately three business days for central destinations. For shipments subject to customs duties, additional time should be allowed for import clearance.
What is the value-added tax (VAT) rate in Mongolia?
The standard Mongolian VAT rate is 10 percent. This generally also applies to imported goods. However, certain products are exempt from VAT or subject to special regulations.
What are the customs duties in Mongolia?
Customs duties depend on the specific goods. The Mongolian Investment and Trade Agency cites regular import duties of between 5 and 20 percent. According to the WTO, the current average MFN duty applied is around 5,2 percent.
Do I need a EUR.1 for Mongolia?
For ordinary German exports to Mongolia, there is no general EU preferential trade agreement that automatically results in a lower import duty for an EUR.1 certificate. If proof of origin is required, a non-preferential certificate of origin may be relevant, depending on the specific transaction.
Is there a free trade agreement between the EU and Mongolia?
There is currently no general free trade agreement that automatically grants German exports reduced Mongolian import duties. Relations between the EU and Mongolia are based, among other things, on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
Which language should I use for the customs declaration?
DHL specifies English as an acceptable language for the customs declaration for Mongolia. The goods description should be as precise as possible and clearly identify the product, material, and intended use.
What documents do I need for Mongolia?
For business shipments, a commercial invoice and complete details of the goods, their value, customs tariff number, and origin are typically required. Depending on the product, a packing list, certificate of origin, permits, or other certificates may also be necessary.
Can I ship DDP to Mongolia?
DDP may be possible depending on the carrier and the import situation. Before booking, customs duties, 10% VAT, any applicable excise taxes, and other handling fees should be checked.
How are goods cleared through customs in Mongolia?
The Mongolian customs administration processes customs declarations electronically via the customs portal gaali.mn. Depending on the process, additional documents or the assistance of a local customs agent may be required.
Why is delivery sometimes longer outside of Ulaanbaatar?
Mongolia is very large and relatively sparsely populated. Many regions are far from international logistics centers. As a result, onward transport and delivery outside of Ulaanbaatar can take additional time.
What goods are frequently imported into Mongolia?
Particularly relevant are machinery, mining equipment, vehicles and spare parts, electrical engineering, tools, IT products, as well as technical systems and components.
