Shopify makes the start easy: pick a theme, add products, turn on payments. Selling in Germany adds a set of obligations that Shopify does not cover automatically. This overview lists what a Shopify shop selling to German consumers needs in 2026, from the legal notice to packaging registration. It is not legal advice, but it helps you not to miss anything.
1. Legal texts
- Legal notice (Impressum): required for commercial websites under § 5 of the German Digitale-Dienste-Gesetz (DDG), which replaced the Telemedia Act in May 2024. It must be reachable from every page within two clicks.
- Privacy policy: under the GDPR, covering every app and service you use, such as payment providers, analytics and newsletter tools.
- Withdrawal information and model withdrawal form: consumers buying at a distance generally have a 14-day right of withdrawal.
- Terms and conditions: not legally required, but common and sensible.
Shopify's templates are a start but do not fully cover German law. Many merchants use legal texts from specialist providers that update automatically when the law changes.
2. Cookies and consent
Non-essential cookies and tracking, such as analytics or advertising pixels, require consent before they are set (§ 25 TDDDG, formerly TTDSG). A cookie banner must offer a real choice: rejecting must be as easy as accepting.
3. The checkout
- Button rule: the final button before ordering must clearly state the obligation to pay, for example "zahlungspflichtig bestellen" (order with obligation to pay), under § 312j of the German Civil Code. Check the German label in your Shopify checkout.
- Key product features, total price and delivery time must be clear before the order.
- Confirmation: after ordering, the customer receives a confirmation with the contract information.
4. Price indication
- Total price including VAT and a note on additional shipping costs.
- Unit price per kilogram, litre or metre for goods sold by weight, volume or length.
- Strikethrough prices: when advertising a reduction, show the lowest price of the previous 30 days (§ 11 PAngV). See Strikethrough pricing in Germany.
5. Product and packaging obligations
- Packaging Act: if you ship packaged goods to consumers, register in the LUCID packaging register before your first sale and join a dual system.
- Product safety (GPSR): since 13 December 2024 online offers must include information on the manufacturer and, where relevant, the responsible person in the EU, plus the required warnings and safety information.
- Electronics and batteries: additional registration and take-back obligations apply.
6. Accessibility
Since 28 June 2025 the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG), Germany's implementation of the European Accessibility Act, applies. Online shops selling to consumers generally have to be accessible, for example with alt texts, sufficient contrast and keyboard navigation. Micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and annual turnover of no more than €2 million are exempt for services.
7. Taxes
- VAT: 19 % standard, 7 % reduced for certain goods such as books and many foods. Shopify lets you set tax rates per product or collection.
- Selling to other EU countries: above €10,000 a year in sales to consumers in other EU countries, the destination country's VAT applies. The One-Stop Shop (OSS) bundles the reporting.
8. Payment methods German buyers expect
Besides cards, PayPal, paying by invoice and often SEPA direct debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay are standard. Shopify Payments is available in Germany, and other providers can be added. Missing familiar payment methods are a common reason for abandoned carts; see Reduce cart abandonment.
Checklist
- Legal notice, privacy policy, withdrawal information and terms in place
- Cookie banner with an equal "reject" option
- Order button labelled "zahlungspflichtig bestellen"
- Total prices, shipping costs and unit prices correct
- Strikethrough prices with the 30-day lowest price
- LUCID registration and dual system
- GPSR information on product pages
- Accessibility checked, unless an exemption applies
- VAT rates and, if needed, OSS set up
- PayPal, invoice and wallets enabled
Heartly is built for this market: flash sales with the 30-day lowest price under § 11 PAngV calculated automatically, dedicated sale pages without discount codes, and reach in the Heartly app and on deals.heartly.io.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Shopify in Germany?
Yes, but Shopify does not meet German obligations automatically. Legal texts, the order button, price indication, packaging registration and cookie consent have to be set up by you.
Do Shopify merchants in Germany need an Impressum?
Yes. Commercial websites need a legal notice under § 5 DDG, reachable from every page.
Do I need to register with LUCID?
Yes, if you ship packaged goods to consumers in Germany. Registration must happen before your first sale.
Does the Accessibility Strengthening Act apply to my shop?
For online shops selling to consumers, generally yes, since 28 June 2025. Micro-enterprises with fewer than ten employees and no more than €2 million annual turnover are exempt.
Which payment methods should a Shopify shop in Germany offer?
Besides cards, above all PayPal and paying by invoice, plus often SEPA direct debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay.