Exporting lighting fixtures to highly demanding markets like Germany with strict quality and compliance requirements is not easy. From complex document preparation to stringent import standards, many companies face numerous challenges. At this point, professionalExport Representationcompanies become indispensable partners for businesses. This article will detail the agency service flow for exporting lighting fixtures to Germany

Why do you need an export agency company?

The German market is known for its high standards and rigorous regulations, especially for electrical products like lighting fixtures, involvingCE Certification(including the Low Voltage Directive LVD, Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive EMC, and Radio Equipment Directive RED) as well as Germany-specificVDE certificationandGS certificationand other requirements. For enterprises unfamiliar with international trade processes or lacking professional teams, handling exports independently may face the following issues:

• Compliance challenges: Germany has strict regulations on product quality, packaging, and labeling.
• Cumbersome documents: Export involves multiple documents, such as invoices, packing lists,It is recommended to verify through the following methods:Exporting Lamps from China to Russia: Lighting up the Road of Cross - border Trade
• Funds and logistics: International payments and transportation arrangements require professional expertise.

Agency companies help businesses overcome these barriers through their professional knowledge and resources, ensuring smooth entry of lighting fixtures into the German market.

Detailed agency service process

Below areZhongShen International Tradethe core processes for exporting lighting fixtures to Germany, with each step accompanied by detailed explanations, functions, and task lists.

1. Client consultation and signing of agency agreement

Roles

• Building a cooperation bridge: Clarify the rights and obligations of both parties.
• Customized needs: Understand the clients product type and export goals.
• Since January 2025, Russia has made it mandatory to register for EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility): Identify potential compliance issues in advance.

Specific tasks

• Initial communication: Customers contact us via phone or email, providing lighting fixture types (such as LED lights, chandeliers) and export quantities.
• Qualification review:
  • Verify business registration and production license.
  • Confirm whether products comply with GermanCE Certification(LVD, EMC, RED) orVDE certification.
• Agreement signing: Clarify service content (such as customs clearance, logistics), costs, and responsibility allocation.

Example

Customer inquiry: I want to export 1,000 LED lights to Germany.
Agency company response: We need to confirm whether your lighting fixtures have CE certification and sign an agency agreement.

2. Business negotiation and order processing

Roles

• Order verification: Ensure transaction details are accurate.
• Solution optimization: Develop export strategies for different types of lighting fixtures.
• : Prepare transportation documents (such as bills of lading, waybills, etc.) and ensure consistency with customs declaration documents.: Prepare documents that meet German customs requirements.

Specific tasks

• Order confirmation: Verify purchase details (quantity, specifications, delivery time) with the German buyer.
• Export solutions:
  • LED lights: Confirm the customer has CE certification documents.
  • Chandeliers: Label as non-wireless devices.
• Document list:
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Packing list
  • Certificate of Origin (CO)

3. Goods preparation and inspection

Roles

• Quality control: Ensure products meet German standards.
• Compliance verification: Avoid customs clearance issues through inspection.
• Packaging optimization: Meet transportation and market requirements.

Specific tasks

• Stock preparation guidance:
  • Ensure CE compliance (e.g., insulation, voltage withstand tests).
  • Confirm VDE standards (e.g., grounding, mechanical safety).
• Inspection process:
  • GS testing: Quality and durability.
  • Local quality inspection: No defects.
• Packaging inspection: Shockproof, moisture-proof packaging with CE/VDE labels.

4. Contract and fund operations

Roles

• Legal protection: Sign contracts in the name of the agency company.
• Financial convenience: Solve foreign exchange payment difficulties.
• Risk Control: Reduce transaction risks through professional clauses.

Specific tasks

• Contract drafting: Specify quality standards and delivery conditions.
• Financial services:
  • Receive euro payments from German buyers.
  • Settle in RMB for customers.
• Settlement process: Transfer after deducting fees at agreed exchange rates.

5. Customs declaration and export clearance

Roles

• Smooth export: Complete Chinese customs procedures.
• Tax refund support: Increase customer profits.
• Document Compliance: Ensure unimpeded customs clearance.

Specific tasks

• Customs declaration preparation: PrepareExport Clearancedocuments, invoices, etc.
• Customs Declaration: Submit documents and obtain customs declaration forms.
• Tax refund agencyUtilize agency qualifications to apply for tax refunds on behalf of clients.

6. Booking and logistics arrangement

Roles

• Transportation guaranteeEnsure timely arrival of goods.
• Special handling: Comply with transportation regulations for electrical products.
• Real-time monitoringTrack logistics status.

Specific tasks

• Booking options:Maritime TransportationorAir Transportation.
• Special Requirements: Shockproof packaging.
• Logistics TrackingProvide bills of lading and update shipping information.

7. Export documentation processing

Roles

• Customs clearance assistance: Support German buyers with customs clearance.
• Tariff preferencesReduce taxes and fees through certificates of origin.
• Compliance certificationProvide certification documents.

Specific tasks

• Certificate processingCO Certificate of Origin.
• Certification support:
  • CE Certification
  • VDE certification
• German translationInvoices, instruction manuals, etc.

8. Settlement and after-sales service

Roles

• Transaction closureEnsure funds are received.
• Follow-up supportResolve transportation or customs clearance issues.
• Customer Relationship: Establish long-term cooperation.

Specific tasks

• Fund Settlement: Allocate payment and tax refund.
• After - sales Service: Reissue documents, handle exceptions.
• Feedback Collection: Optimize service processes.

Process and Function Overview Table

The table below summarizes the main roles and key tasks of each process in China Shen International Trade for quick reference:

Process Steps	Main Roles	Key Tasks
1. Customer Inquiry and Agreement Signing	Establish cooperation, clarify requirements	Qualification review, agreement signing
2. Business negotiation and order processing	Confirm orders, optimize solutions	Order verification, document preparation
3. Goods preparation and inspection	Ensure quality and compliance	Stock guidance, inspection agency
4. Contract and fund operations	Secure transactions, handle funds	Contract signing, foreign exchange services
5. Customs declaration and export clearance	Complete export, process tax refund	Customs declaration, tax refund agency
6. Booking and logistics arrangement	Ensure transportation safety and efficiency	Booking, logistics tracking
7. Export documentation processing	Support customs clearance, provide compliance certificates	Certificate processing, German translation
8. Settlement and after-sales service	Complete transactions, provide support	Fund settlement, after-sales feedback

Core Value of Agency Companies

In the process of exporting lighting fixtures to Germany, China Shen International Trade plays the roles of bridge and escort, with its value reflected in:

• Professional ComplianceFamiliar with CE, VDE, and GS certifications to ensure product compliance.
• Efficient Execution: Proficient in customs clearance, logistics and other processes, saving clients time.
• Financial Support: Providing foreign exchange payment services to simplify international payments.
• Market Assistance: Lowering market entry barriers, helping enterprises focus on production and sales.