Last year we reported that PSA grading was now officially available in Germany and that Pokémon cards could be submitted directly to Frankfurt. Since then, the topic has developed significantly – and a clear outlook for collectors has emerged for 2026.
1. PSA Europe: Fully-fledged grading center coming in 2026
PSA has announced that its first full-fledged grading and authentication center on the European mainland will open in Frankfurt am Main in the summer of 2026. This center will not only be a submission point, but will actually offer on-site grading services, instead of simply forwarding cards.
This means specifically for you as a collector:
- significantly shorter processing times
- lower shipping and customs costs
- no more long shipping/air routes to the USA
- potentially local contacts for questions or problems
The choice of Frankfurt as the location is no coincidence: The city is considered a logistics hub of Europe and thus covers not only Germany, but collectors from all over the EU.
2. Why PSA is now investing in Europe
PSA has experienced a veritable boom in international submissions in recent years – especially from the TCG (Trading Card Games) sector. Pokémon cards are among the most frequently submitted categories for evaluation. This strong demand has prompted PSA to permanently localize and professionalize its services for the European market.
The expansion is intended to offer European collectors “the same trusted and high-quality experience that PSA customers in the USA are accustomed to.”
3. What changes beforehand?
Even before the official grading center opens in the summer of 2026, PSA has already reacted:
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There are local submission centers or receiving points through which cards can be sent more easily – including reduced customs problems (e.g. London for UK collectors).
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Numerous third-party service providers (e.g., intermediary services) are already helping to coordinate submissions to PSAs from Europe.
These interim solutions already make the grading process more accessible and cheaper than before, when cards had to be sent directly to the USA.
4. Specific benefits for your collection
This offers several advantages for Pokémon collectors, especially in the DACH region and Switzerland:
✔ Faster turnaround – results return much sooner
✔ Less shipping stress – no unnecessary customs hurdles or expensive international packages
✔ More options for trading & selling – Are you from Switzerland and want to buy PSA cards or expand your collection? PSA grading remains the gold standard that can increase the value of your cards.
✔ Improved scalability – for advanced collectors, dealers, and investors, grading becomes routine, not the exception.
5. What you can do now
If you are already planning to professionalize or upgrade your collection:
- Specifically collect cards with the potential for high grades.
- Use local submission services or partners that simplify PPE shipping.
- Watch the official opening in Frankfurt to directly benefit from faster processes.
Tip: Especially with Pokémon cards, a PSA grade can significantly influence their value over the years – whether for resale, investment, or simply as a collector's item. If you'd like to buy high-quality Pokémon cards in addition to PSA information, you'll find a wide selection of sealed products and trading cards at the Swiss Pokémon TCG shop LaschoCards.
