Germany customs rules & duty-free allowances
Germany enforces strict EU biosecurity rules: meat and dairy from non-EU countries are banned, and cash declarations are mandatory for amounts of 10,000 EUR or more. Always use the red channel if unsure.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychoactive substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without a permit)
- Counterfeit goods (brand fakes, pirated software)
- Endangered species products (ivory, tortoiseshell, certain furs) without CITES permit
- Weapons (including pepper spray, stun guns, and knives over 12 cm blade length) without a permit
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
- Certain meats and dairy from non-EU countries (e.g., raw milk cheese, unprocessed meat)
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine, diazepam) – require a prescription and may need a BfArM permit
- Firearms and ammunition – require a German weapons permit (Waffenbesitzkarte)
- Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate and must be declared
- Cultural property (antiques, art over 50 years old) – may require an export license from the country of origin
- Drones over 250g – must be registered with the German Federal Aviation Office (Luftfahrt-Bundesamt) and have an insurance sticker
Arriving: red vs green channel
After collecting luggage, you'll enter the customs area. If you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits, use the green channel (nothing to declare). If you have goods to declare (including cash over 10,000 EUR), use the red channel. There is no arrival card; just walk through. Customs officers may randomly stop you for inspection.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Tourists from non-EU countries can claim VAT refund on purchases over 50 EUR from a single store. Look for the 'Tax-Free Shopping' logo. At the airport, present the goods, receipts, and the completed refund form (e.g., Global Blue or Planet) at the customs office before check-in. Refund is typically 10-15% of the purchase price.
Bringing medication
Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply. Bring a prescription or doctor's note (in German or English) for controlled substances like opioids, stimulants, or benzodiazepines. Some common medications (e.g., codeine-based painkillers, certain ADHD meds) are strictly controlled and may require a permit from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). Always carry medications in original packaging.
Food, plants & animal products
No restrictions on personal food items from EU countries. From non-EU countries, meat, dairy, and products containing them are banned (except small quantities of baby food or special medical food). Fruits, vegetables, and plants must be declared and may require a phytosanitary certificate. Seeds and soil are generally prohibited.
Rules worth knowing
Cash declaration is mandatory
Any person entering or leaving Germany with cash or equivalent monetary instruments totaling 10,000 EUR or more must declare it in writing. This includes banknotes, coins, traveler's checks, money orders, and bearer bonds. Failure to declare can lead to seizure and fines up to 1 million EUR.
EU vs non-EU rules differ significantly
If you're arriving from another EU country, there are no duty-free limits on goods for personal use (including alcohol and tobacco) as long as they are for personal consumption. For non-EU arrivals, strict limits apply (300 EUR total for goods, plus specific alcohol/tobacco limits). Always keep receipts.
Duty-free shops at airports are still subject to limits
Even if you buy duty-free at the airport, the allowances for non-EU arrivals still apply. For example, you can buy 1 liter of spirits at the airport, but if you also bring wine from outside the EU, the total must not exceed the allowance.
Import of meat and dairy from non-EU countries is banned
Germany enforces strict EU biosecurity rules. You cannot bring any meat, dairy, or products containing them (e.g., sausages, cheese, ham) from non-EU countries, except for small quantities of baby food or special medical food. Violations can result in fines and confiscation.