Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden
Important information regarding customs control upon entry:
If you are traveling from a country that is a member state of the EU (excluding special areas subject to excise duty), you do not need to complete any customs formalities.
Please note that your luggage may still be inspected in order to comply with national prohibitions and restrictions (e.g., narcotics, weapons) and to monitor cross-border traffic in cash and equivalent means of payment.
- Use the green exit for goods that do not require declaration: If you are entering from a member state of the European Union (EU) or are not carrying more than the permitted allowances, use the green exit at customs control.
- For goods that require declaration, use the red exit: If you are carrying more than the permitted allowances or goods intended for trade or commercial use (regardless of their value), you must declare them.This also applies to goods that are prohibited and subject to restrictions.
These include, for example, narcotics, weapons, ammunition, and protected species of animals and plants, as well as parts thereof or goods made from them. Further information on the import of goods.
If you are traveling with any of the following goods, please note the special ATA Carnet procedure of German customs:
- Trade fair and exhibition goods
- Professional equipment
- Goods samples
- Goods for scientific and cultural purposes
- Goods for sporting events
Further information can be found here.
Cash controls
Cash controls are carried out at the borders of EU member states and at the external borders of the European Union to ensure that no money from unfair transactions or criminal activities can be imported unhindered.
Further information on the obligation to declare cash and equivalent means of payment when traveling within the European Union can be found here.
Information on the obligation to declare cash when traveling to non-EU member states can be found here.
Information on legal allowances
Travel souvenirs may be imported duty-free, but only for personal use or consumption, for the household, or as gifts. Certain quantities and values may not be exceeded. In addition, there are other rules that even experienced travelers should be aware of. More information can be found here.
Medicines
The quantity must correspond to the traveler's personal needs.
Three special EU cases (Canary Islands, French overseas departments, British Channel Islands)
Goods from these areas are subject to special regulations. Although this territory belongs to the customs territory of the European Union (EU), it does not belong to the tax territory with regard to consumption tax and value added tax. You may only import goods from these areas duty-free within the specified quantity and value limits.
This also applies to goods from duty-free shops in the EU or goods purchased on board an aircraft operating within the EU that are untaxed or exempt from tax.
Tip regarding property
If you are taking your own high-value device with you on your trip, you can ensure a smooth entry before departure. Customs will issue a free export confirmation, which proves on your return that this device was not purchased abroad and is therefore not subject to customs duty. To do this, go to the customs counter at the airport before your departure.
Species and plant protection
Species and plant protection regulations stipulate which endangered animals and plants may not be transported.
Species conservation
Ensuring the survival of many animals threatened with extinction requires strict, global regulations. The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species therefore specifies exactly which endangered and therefore protected animals may not be transported. As a rule, importation is completely prohibited or only possible under certain conditions. Violations are strictly prosecuted and usually result in severe penalties. Further information is available at: www.artenschutz-online.de
Plant protection
The import of certain plants and plant products from non-EU countries into the EU is also prohibited. The reason for these restrictions is that this material can introduce a wide variety of harmful organisms or diseases. Certain organisms can cause enormous damage to the flora in the country into which they are introduced. Further information is available at Customs online - Plant protection or summarized in a video.
Product piracy and counterfeiting
If your souvenir is an imitation or counterfeit product that you are importing into Germany in your personal luggage and purely for your own use, the customs authorities will not intervene in accordance with industrial property rights regulations.
However, if the goods are intended for your own or someone else's business purposes, the customs authorities will take action in accordance with industrial property rights regulations, regardless of any import duty exemptions (quantity and value limits).
The only exception is luggage that is sent in advance or forwarded by post or courier service, which is subject to the regulations for postal items.
Further information on this can be found on the customs website.
