Guide to Participating in Exhibitions in Germany: Customs, Logistics and Installation

When transporting a stand to an exhibition in Germany, three critical topics stand out: the EU customs/transport process, the logistics and occupational safety rules mandated by the exhibition area, and timing within the tight installation schedule. Participants who do not manage these three correctly face serious additional costs and delay risks, regardless of the stand itself.

Transport and Customs Process

Transporting an exhibition stand from Turkey to Germany (EU) works differently from a standard commercial export/import process — because the materials are usually brought back or disposed of after the exhibition. Therefore, most operations are carried out under a temporary import regime or with documents such as ATA Carnet; choosing the correct document eliminates the risk of unexpected taxes/penalties at customs after the exhibition. Transport time and customs procedures should be planned at least several days in advance, independent of the stand's production schedule.

Logistics Rules Mandated by the Exhibition Area

Most major exhibition centers in Germany (such as Frankfurt, Cologne, Munich, Düsseldorf, Hanover, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Hamburg, Berlin, Essen, Dortmund) operate their own "hausspedition" (contracted official logistics company). It is often not possible to unload materials directly at the stand with a vehicle other than these companies; your materials must be delivered to the exhibition area through the contracted company, and this is a cost item that must be included in the budget in advance.

Required Occupational Safety (OHS) Documents

German exhibition organizers typically require the following documents from installation teams:

• Risk assessment (Gefährdungsbeurteilung / risk assessment): Written declaration of possible hazards and precautions during installation.
• Method statement: Description of the order and equipment with which the stand will be installed.
• Third-party liability insurance: Mandatory coverage against damages that may occur during installation.

Incomplete or incorrect preparation of these documents may cause the installation team's entry to the exhibition area to be delayed or even prevented.

Installation Schedule and Time Management

German exhibition centers usually provide a clear time window (specific days and hours) for installation; working outside this window may be subject to additional fees or may not be allowed at all. Especially for double-decker and large square meter stands, static approval processes must also be included in this schedule.

Lima Exhibition's Germany Experience

As a company that regularly sets up stands in many exhibition centers in Europe, especially Germany, we are proficient in hausspedition processes, preparation of required OHS documents, and customs/transport planning. This experience prevents surprise costs from arising during the quotation phase and ensures that the installation is completed exactly on time for your exhibition schedule.

If you are planning for an exhibition in Germany, share the exhibition name and date; let us manage the entire transport, customs, and installation process for you.