Customs

Customs: Goods subject to declaration and exempt goodsRed or green exit

If you have no goods to declare or only goods that do not require declaration, use the green exit.

For goods or cash (e.g. cash, cheques, gold coins or bars) exceeding the duty-free allowance – i.e. more than EUR 10,000 – the red exit is the correct route. In addition, these must be registered in writing. If you have no goods to declare or only goods that do not require declaration, use the green exit.

For goods or cash (e.g. cash, cheques, gold coins or bars) exceeding the duty-free allowance – i.e. more than EUR 10,000 – the red exit is the correct route. In addition, these must be registered in writing.

Declaration of goods upon entry

Goods intended for trade or commercial use must always be declared, regardless of their value. This also applies to products that are subject to bans or restrictions. They include, for example, narcotics, weapons, ammunition and protected animals and plants.

Detailed information on restrictions can be found in the Customs section.

Anyone who violates import regulations or fails to declare cash will face penalties. There are heavy fines – and even imprisonment in serious cases.

Important: Product counterfeiting is no trivial matter. Even small quantities are confiscated by customs – criminal proceedings may follow.

Customs checks on departure

There are no regular customs checks when leaving Germany. Nevertheless, the following applies:

Goods that are currently subject to export restrictions must always be declared. This also applies to cash amounts of EUR 10,000 or more.

Attention: Customs officials carry out random checks.

Our tip: If you are unsure whether goods require authorisation, it is best to contact your nearest main customs office in good time – preferably before you start your journey.