It seems that this is your first attempt at importing so you have a lot to learn. I suggest you read at least the last 20 or 30 posts in my AMA thread:Hey fastlaners,
I am working on my private label and plan to import products from china and was wondering which legal hurdles there are to import the products into EU zone? Any good guide, website or consultant? I wouldn't mind to pay for good advice. The official EU website is just horrible and not helpful at all.
From the trademark side I've seen there is the opportunity to register eu wide trademark, this should cover you right?
GOLD! Sharing my lifetime experience in export/import. Product sourcing specialist.
Meanwhile, let me ease your mind a little.
1. The first thing you will need to do is register for VAT. You might think it is not necessary because you haven't reached the threshold but you will have to pay VAT on your imports sooner or later so you will need registration.
2. Don't try to learn all the rules and regulations yourself. Handling the Customs clearance process yourself would be a nightmare. My recommendations will mostly depend on the size of your shipments. If the order is small it is usually cost effective to have it shipped via air courier, and they will handle the clearance for you.
If it is large enough to travel by sea or rail transport, you should use a freight forwarder in Germany. See my AMA for information on getting quotes.
3. If using an air courier, be sure to get your supplier in China to quote for prepaid door to door service. DO NOT give your supplier your courier account number. They will ship on a freight collect basis and that will cost you an arm and a leg.
4. Don't place an order until you know all of your costs, particularly for freight.
5. Don't even think about using Alibaba's logistics also known as Alibaba.com Freight.
6. If your supplier offers to use a low cost Chinese freight forwarder - DON'T.
7. You should do a trademark search before starting the process of registering. You can check out European trademarks here: https://www.tmdn.org/tmview/welcome
4. The most serious legal hurdles you might face will most likly relate to labeling. There is no doubt as you say: "everything the EU does is so super slow and bad service." Forunately the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce has come to your aid and you should find the help you need about meeting EU labeling laws here: European Union - Labeling/Marking Requirements (part 1) | Privacy Shield
If you have more questions, please ask them on my AMA and I will help.
Walter