Importing Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes) from Germany into the United States in 2026 carries a total effective tariff of 10.0% (MFN 3%). That figure is the stacked rate applied to the customs value before fees. Use the calculator below for the exact landed cost, including Merchandise Processing and Harbor Maintenance fees.
Calculate Your Landed Cost
Adjust values for Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes) from Germany
How Tariffs Stack
Each layer adds to the total cost — amounts based on customs value
Full Landed Cost Breakdown
Based on a $10,000 ocean shipment (FOB value)
How the Tariff Rate is Calculated
The tariff structure for medical supplies (ppe, syringes) follows the US stacking formula: the MFN base rate of 3%, plus forced-labor Section 301 duty of 7% (effective July 24, 2026, backfilling the lapsed Section 122 surcharge). The special tariff layer (the highest of Section 122, Section 232, or bilateral rates) is 0%, which combines with the MFN base to produce a subtotal before Section 301 duties. Adding all layers yields a total tariff rate of 10%. On a customs value of $10,600.00, this translates to total duties of $1,060.00, plus the Merchandise Processing Fee of $36.72 and Harbor Maintenance Fee of $13.25. The total landed cost including all fees reaches $11,709.97.
Trade Context
The United States imported $162B in goods from Germany in 2024, making it a significant trading partner in the Europe region. Key import categories from Germany include passenger vehicles, industrial machinery, pharmaceuticals, reflecting the country's industrial and agricultural strengths. Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes) represents an important segment of this trade relationship, with demand driven by both price competitiveness and product availability in the US market. The bilateral trade volume underscores the economic significance of tariff policy decisions affecting imports from Germany.
What Section 122's Lapse Means for This Import
Section 122 lapsed on July 24, 2026, but this product category was already exempt from the Section 122 surcharge, so the lapse changed nothing. The exemption applies to product categories deemed essential or strategically important. Importers of medical supplies (ppe, syringes) from Germany saw no change in tariff costs from the Section 122 lapse.
Alternative Sourcing Countries for Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes)
Importers looking for lower tariff costs on medical supplies (ppe, syringes) may consider sourcing from France (effective rate 25%); Italy (effective rate 25%); Japan (effective rate 27.5%). Compared to Germany's total effective rate of 10%, these alternatives offer potential cost savings depending on the specific product classification and applicable trade agreements. Each alternative carries its own tariff structure, so importers should calculate the full landed cost before switching suppliers.
Related Context
Tariff Timeline for Germany
Section 232 steel/aluminum tariff increased to 50%
Section 122 uniform 10% surcharge enacted
EU bilateral deal at 15% rate takes effect (de facto, IEEPA basis)
Frequently Asked Questions
The current total tariff rate on Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes) from Germany is 10%. This is composed of the following layers: MFN base rate: 3%. The effective tariff rate after all layers is 10%.
For a $10,000 shipment of Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes) from Germany, you can expect to pay approximately $1,000.00 in total duties at the current rate of 10%. Additional fees include the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and, for ocean shipments, the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF). The total landed cost for a $10,000 order would be approximately $11,000.00, representing an effective cost increase of 10% over the FOB price. Use our tariff calculator for precise calculations based on your specific shipment value and shipping method.
No, Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes) is exempt from the Section 122 surcharge. This product category has been granted an exemption from Section 122 duties, meaning the surcharge does not add to the tariff cost for medical supplies (ppe, syringes) from Germany or any other country.
Section 122 lapsed on July 24, 2026 when its 150-day statutory limit expired without renewal — but the landed cost on Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes) from Germany did not fall to zero. A forced-labor Section 301 duty of 7% took effect at 12:01 a.m. eastern time the same day, backfilling the lapsed surcharge. The total tariff rate is 10%; importers should treat the forced-labor duty — not the expired Section 122 surcharge — as the operative layer.
For Medical Supplies (PPE, Syringes), alternative sourcing countries to consider instead of Germany include France (effective rate: 25%), Italy (effective rate: 25%), Japan (effective rate: 27.5%). Compared to Germany's total effective rate of 10%, these alternatives may offer lower landed costs depending on the specific HTS classification. Use our country comparison tool to see a detailed side-by-side analysis of tariff costs.