Warenwert

Warenwert is a German term that denotes the monetary value attributed to goods in a transaction or for accounting and tax purposes. It serves as a basis for pricing, invoicing and financial reporting, and may refer to either the price paid for goods or the value of inventory held by a business.

In commerce, the Warenwert is typically the net price of the goods before value-added tax (Umsatzsteuer). In customs and import taxation, the relevant value is the customs value (Zollwert), which forms the basis for duties and import taxes. The Zollwert usually corresponds to the transaction value (price actually paid or payable) plus certain costs such as freight, insurance, and handling up to the border, and may be adjusted by authorities if the transaction value does not reflect true market value.

Components commonly included in the Warenwert for tax and customs purposes are the price of the goods, freight, insurance, loading and unloading, and packaging. Deductions such as rebates, discounts, or credits reduce the Warenwert accordingly. Depending on jurisdiction, some costs may be treated differently or excluded.

In accounting, the Warenwert is used to value inventories and to calculate cost of goods sold. It often serves as a starting point for methods of inventory valuation, such as FIFO, LIFO, or weighted average cost.

Limitations: the exact definition and inclusions of the Warenwert vary by regulatory context and jurisdiction. For VAT and customs purposes, specific rules determine which costs are included and how discounts and rebates affect the value.