Entering Germany

If you are entering Germany from a non-EU state, most goods carried by you are tax/duty-free unless they exceed certain quantity and value limits. Certain goods, however, you may not (or only under certain conditions) import.

Obviously, the personal possessions that you bring with you on your journey are exempt from duties, since they are considered personal property or sports equipment in temporary admission. However, for valuable objects such as jewellery, expensive digital cameras, and so on, you may be asked to follow a special procedure.

If the goods and presents you are carrying are to remain free of taxes or excise duties you must meet certain conditions and observe the allowances.

You may not just bring everything that is on sale abroad with you. In Germany certain goods, such as pharmaceuticals, narcotics, but also media likely to harm minors and unconstitutional media are subject to restrictions or bans.

Please visit the website of the German Customs Authority “Zoll” (link below) for further information.

Travelling with cash

When entering from a non-European Union state you must notify the competent customs office in writing of any cash to the value of 10,000 or more euros that you are bringing with you. You must also inform a customs official orally when asked whether you are bringing other means of payment deemed equivalent to cash if their total amount is 10,000 euros or more.

Obligation to declare in writing or orally

Provisions on the import of pet animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) from non-EU states

To prevent the introduction and spread of rabies, the European Union has enforced animal health requirements for the import of pet animals (dogs, cats, and ferrets) from non-EU countries (so-called third countries).

Provisions on the import of pet animals