How many parcels am I allowed to send as a private seller?
There is no fixed number of parcels. What matters is whether you are selling privately or trading commercially. This guide provides an overview and does not constitute legal or tax advice.
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No limit on parcels
Neither DHL nor eBay limits how many parcels a private seller sends. The real question is different: do you occasionally sell things from your household, or do you regularly trade in goods?
What platforms report to the tax office
The German Platform Tax Transparency Act has applied since 2023. Online marketplaces such as eBay report sellers to the tax office if they make 30 or more sales or receive €2,000 or more in a year.
The report does not in itself mean that you are trading commercially. It only shows the tax office who is selling a lot.
Indicators of commercial trading
Signs of commercial trading include, for example:
- you buy goods to resell them
- you sell regularly over an extended period
- you offer many identical or new items
If you sell commercially
You will generally need to register a business and have a business eBay account. If in doubt, seek advice from a tax adviser or your local authority.
As your parcel volume grows, a shipping tool is often worthwhile. Shipnovo's pricing is based on the number of labels per month.
Common questions
There is no limit on the number of parcels. However, with that many sales, the tax office will check whether you are trading commercially.
From 30 sales or €2,000 in revenue in a calendar year, under the German Platform Tax Transparency Act.
No. This guide provides a general overview. Ask a tax adviser about your individual circumstances.