Germany's duty-free allowance for non-resident adult travellers arriving from outside the EU in 2026: 1 litre of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV); 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco; goods up to EUR 430 (approx. USD 470) for air/sea travellers or EUR 300 (approx. USD 330) for land travellers. Cash of EUR 10,000 or more (about USD 10,900) must be declared in writing. These rules apply to non-EU arrivals only.
Duty-free allowances
Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 litres of wine/beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,900
Cash or equivalent monetary instruments of EUR 10,000 or more (about USD 10,900) must be declared in writing to German customs upon arrival.
Goods duty-free
$470
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts: EUR 430 (approx. USD 470) for air/sea travellers; EUR 300 (approx. USD 330) for land travellers. Above these thresholds, duty and VAT apply.
Prohibited — banned from import
Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription and permit)
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives (including pepper spray and stun guns without a permit)
Endangered species and products made from them (e.g., ivory, tortoiseshell, caviar without CITES permit)
Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (except limited amounts from approved countries with health certificates)
Plants and plant products (e.g., soil, seeds, fresh fruits/vegetables) without a phytosanitary certificate
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropic substances (require a prescription and a personal import permit from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices)
Firearms and knives (require a German weapons permit or EU Firearms Pass)
Live animals (require rabies vaccination, microchip, and EU pet passport)
Cultural goods and antiques (export/import may require a permit from the state cultural authority)
Drones over 250g (require an EU drone operator registration and proof of insurance)
Rules worth knowing
EU vs. Non-EU Arrivals
These rules apply only to arrivals from outside the EU. Travellers arriving from another EU country can bring unlimited goods for personal use, as long as they are not for resale and comply with EU tax-paid rules.
Tobacco and Alcohol Age Limits
You must be 18 or older to bring in tobacco or alcohol. Minors cannot claim duty-free allowances for these items.
Cash Declaration Threshold
Any person carrying EUR 10,000 or more in cash or equivalent monetary instruments (e.g., cheques, money orders, gold coins) must declare it in writing on the 'Cash Declaration Form' at the customs office. Failure to declare can result in fines and seizure.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are no duty-free limits for goods bought in another EU country, as long as they are for personal use and tax has been paid in the EU. For example, you can bring 800 cigarettes or 90 litres of wine without paying German duty, but customs may ask for proof of personal use.
You must declare the excess goods on the customs form. Duty and VAT (19% or 7% for reduced-rate items) will be charged on the value above the allowance. For example, if you bring goods worth EUR 500 by air, you pay duty and VAT on EUR 70 (500 - 430).
Yes, if you are entering the EU customs territory (including transit), you must declare cash of EUR 10,000 or more. This applies even if you are only changing planes or passing through a German airport without clearing customs.
Generally, meat and dairy products are banned from non-EU countries. Other food items like chocolate, bread, and certain cheeses (e.g., hard cheese) are allowed in small quantities for personal use, but you must declare them. Fruits and vegetables may require a phytosanitary certificate.
Penalties include confiscation of the goods, fines up to EUR 50,000, and in serious cases (e.g., narcotics, weapons), criminal prosecution with possible imprisonment. Customs officers can also impose on-the-spot fines.
For personal medication, you can bring up to a 3-month supply without a permit, but you must carry a prescription or doctor's note. For narcotic or psychotropic drugs (e.g., strong painkillers, ADHD medication), you need a personal import permit from the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM).