Product × destination decision

Importing porcelain slabs to Germany

For slabs, the commercial result depends on specification and crate geometry as much as the factory price. Compare China, Turkey, India, and EU supply on one delivered basis.

Control the slab specification first

  • Dimensions, thickness, finish, edge, shade, and batch tolerance
  • Applicable product evidence and buyer requirements
  • Square metres, slab count, crates, gross weight, and dimensions
  • Loading orientation, support, moisture protection, and handling plan
  • Warehouse or project delivery point, unloading equipment, and access

Build the Germany landed-cost stack

Model goods, origin haulage, export handling, main freight, insurance, customs treatment, import VAT cash requirement, terminal and broker charges, inland delivery, crate disposal, unloading, and a visible breakage sensitivity. Use the calculator for arithmetic and confirm German customs treatment before purchase.

Compare origins by decision, not stereotype

China

Broad supplier depth can be attractive, but longer replenishment and crate/container execution deserve explicit review.

Turkey

Shorter routes into much of Europe can reduce working-capital and schedule exposure, while factory and specification fit still need qualification.

India

Can be relevant for selected formats and stones, but compare like-for-like evidence, finish, and route.

EU supply

A higher unit price may win after shorter lead time, lower inventory, simpler claims, and smaller order quantities.

Decision gate

Do not compare quotes until crate drawings, weights, loading assumptions, Incoterm/named place, product evidence, and final delivery are explicit. See the broader porcelain-slab landed-cost guide.

Primary sources

Official sources used to frame the guidance. Check the current product and transaction before acting.

  1. European Commission: Importing into the EU
  2. European Commission: EU Customs Tariff (TARIC)
  3. European Commission: EORI number
Make the next decision explicit

Compare your real specification and destination

Use a transparent cost model, or request a source-backed supplier and route comparison for one construction product.