Travel guidelines for what you're permitted and prohibited to carry while visiting Germany
Bringing goods into Germany from within or outside the EU requires adherence to certain customs rules to avoid penalties. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.
If you're travelling from EU member states, there are no restrictions on the amount of currency you can bring. However, for those coming from outside the EU, cash worth more than €10,000 must be declared to the customs authorities.
When it comes to goods, there are different tax-free limits for items brought into Germany from within the EU compared to outside the EU. For instance, the limits for tobacco and alcohol from outside the EU are 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250 grams of smoking tobacco, 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of fortified or sparkling wine, 4 liters of still wine, and 16 liters of beer.
Meat, milk, and other dairy products are allowed from EU countries and certain non-EU countries, with some exceptions. However, generally, meat and milk products are not allowed from other non-EU countries.
Exceeding the tax-free value limits for goods in Germany can result in a hefty duty or excise tax. If you exceed the above allowances, you'll have to pay import duties. To do this, you need to report to the customs office when entering the country, and the import duties will be calculated there.
Travellers coming by air or sea are permitted to bring personal items worth up to €430, while overland travellers can bring personal items worth up to €300. Travellers under 15 years of age can bring personal items worth up to €200. If you bring a mix of tobacco and alcohol products from outside the EU, the basic limit is adjusted to be proportional. These limits apply per person - they cannot be combined within a group.
There are certain items that are not allowed to be brought into Germany in any circumstances, such as publications or media with content that incites violence, criminality or racial hatred, counterfeit or pirated products, torture instruments, certain dog breeds, potatoes, vines, wine leaves, soil or plant substrate from a non-EU country, certain medications such as counterfeit medication and doping substances.
Harsher punishments can apply if you are caught with goods that are not allowed to be brought into Germany. Ignorance does not protect you from punishment if you are caught violating customs rules at the German border.
For goods intended for trade or commercial use, a declaration is always required, regardless of their value. Private imports below certain value thresholds may be exempt from customs duties, but this exemption is being phased out. From March 1, 2028, the EU will abolish the €150 customs duty exemption for imported parcels, meaning all goods entering the EU, including Germany, will be subject to customs duties and VAT regardless of value.
Furry pets are subject to a mandatory health inspection at the first point of entry to the EU, and will need to meet certain requirements regarding microchips and vaccinations.
It's important to keep receipts for the purchase of valuable travel souvenirs and present it at the customs office, as the decisive factor for the amount of duties owed is the type and value of the goods. Anyone returning to Germany by car or train can also contact the Federal Police to report and pay import duties.
For precise limits on personal allowance (e.g., alcohol, tobacco, gifts), travelers should consult official customs websites, as these limits vary by product category.
While navigating through finance and lifestyle during travel, it's essential to be mindful of the customs rules when bringing goods into Germany. For instance, the allowances for tobacco and alcohol from outside the EU are set differently compared to those from within the EU.
