What travellers to Germany need to know about Customs
Raven Travel Guides Monday travel tip #26
Travellers are liable for heavy fines for breaking import limits for Germany. Cash imports into Germany from outside the EU exceeding €10,000 should be declared in Customs (Zoll). Jewellery and personal valuables over €430 in value must be declared.
All firearms and ammunition must be declared, but it is best to contact a German consulate to check beforehand on prohibitions. Narcotics and all but approved small fireworks are prohibited.
Germany has concerns about copyright and confiscates counterfeit or pirated media, but items considered to incite racial hatred or violence or to glorify war are a particular issue for Customs officers. There is a particular sensitivity to material or symbols considered to glorify the Third Reich or the Holocaust, although sanctions do not apply to acknowledged historical or other academic works about the period. Pornography involving violence, bestiality or child abuse is banned.
Strictly, all food should be declared if there could be a hazard but snacks and most drinks should not be a problem. Limits on items for personal use include 800 cigarettes and 10 litres of strong spirits, but amounts vary depending on purchase in or outside the EU.
For details go to the English version of the German Customs page www.zoll.de/EN or consult the lists of import restrictions at www.iatatravelcentre.com (select Germany).
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