To avoid unpleasant situations at the border, it is important to familiarize yourself with the customs regulations of Germany in advance. We have compiled a list of these rules for you.
What can you bring into Germany by plane
In Germany, duty-free import of personal luggage is allowed under the following conditions:
You can bring in without the obligation to return:
- Items intended for personal use
- Items not intended for sale or any other form of disposal
- Items intended for use during your stay in the country
- Items that do not contain prohibited goods for import into Germany
- The presence of appropriate certificates and licenses for goods that are restricted for import into the country
- The items will not be sold, pledged, or otherwise disposed of within the country.
What is prohibited to import into Germany
- Unlicensed medical drugs (narcotics) such as heroin, morphine, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, LSD, and hashish.
- Knives, daggers, knuckle dusters, telescopic batons, and similar cold weapons.
- p*rnographic materials featuring children (books, magazines, films, videos, photographs, computer programs, etc.)
- Counterfeit goods that infringe on the rights of registered trademark owners, such as watches or CDs with unauthorized programs.
- Meat, fish products, eggs, and honey produced outside the EU, with some exceptions.
What is restricted for import into Germany
- Firearms, explosives, and ammunition, including stun guns and gas canisters.
- Live animals (the import of animals into Germany is subject to special rules).
- Fur, ivory, leather, stuffed animals, or birds.
- Plants, seedlings, seeds, and bulbs.
- Long-wave radio transmitters.
What is prohibited to export from Germany
- Gasoline. When leaving the country by car, the reserve canister should not contain more than 10 liters.
Declared amount of currency
Amounts exceeding 15,000 EUR must be declared upon import into Germany.
How much alcohol can be imported into Germany?
- Tobacco products - 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 200 grams of tobacco (allowed for persons aged 17 years and older)
- Alcohol - 1 liter of beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 22 degrees; 2 liters of spirits with an alcohol content up to 22 degrees; 2 liters of sparkling wines and liqueurs; 2 liters of still wines (allowed for persons aged 17 years and older)
- Coffee - 500 grams of coffee beans or 200 grams of instant coffee (allowed for persons aged 15 years and older)
- Perfume - 50 ml of perfume (eau de parfum) or 250 ml of eau de toilette (no age restrictions)
- Medicinal products - a quantity necessary for personal use
How much alcohol can be exported from Germany?
- Up to 3 liters of alcohol can be exported duty-free
- Each additional liter of alcohol is subject to a duty of 10 EUR
In Germany, there is a Tax-Free system that allows you to purchase goods without VAT in most stores. You just need to inquire in advance whether the store participates in this program. If they do, when making a purchase of at least 25 EUR, they will issue a receipt for VAT refund. Companies that handle refunds are located at borders and airports. You will need to present the goods, the receipt, your passport, and a short-term visa at the Kundendienst (customer service) counter or at the "tax free for tourists" counter. A company representative will refund your money, deducting a commission. Typically, this commission is 10-15% of the purchase amount.
VAT is not refunded for:
- Services provided in Germany (thus, bus fares, train tickets, restaurant bills, hotel accommodation, etc., are fully subject to VAT).
- Any equipment for personal transport (e.g., bumpers, side windows, tow ropes, first aid kits), as well as fuel, motor oil, etc.
