Summer, sun, good mood – keep a few things in mind so that your return from a dream vacation does not have consequences when passing through customs.

When entering from countries that are not members of the EU and from special areas (e.g. the Canary Islands), goods brought in for non-commercial purposes may be imported into Germany duty-free only within certain quantity and value limits per person. In particular, for tobacco products, alcohol and alcohol-like beverages, as well as medicines, certain allowances must be observed and must not be exceeded.

Special rules apply if you travel to Germany, for example if you are traveling from Croatia, which is in the European Union, and from Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is not in the EU.

Return from a country that is not a member of the EU

The basic rule is: if there are no import bans, the import of goods from countries that are not members of the EU is duty-free

-up to a total goods value of 300 euros,

– for travelers by air or sea up to a total value of 430 euros,

– for travelers under 15 years of age up to a total value of 175 euros.

Goods for which a special quantity limit applies (e.g. tobacco products or alcohol) are not included in the value of the goods.

Import of food from countries outside the EU

Hygiene standards for the production and trade of food vary greatly around the world. Many products can be dangerous to health. The import of certain products into Germany may therefore be restricted or even generally prohibited due to special regulations.

German customs highlights forest mushrooms as an example, which may be imported up to a quantity of two kilograms intended for personal use and consumption.

The import of potatoes, even in small quantities, is generally prohibited, especially because of the danger of spreading bacterial ring rot.

Caviar

Due to the endangered status of all sturgeon species, the import of caviar is subject to species protection restrictions (submission of CITES documents). However, there is an exception to the document requirement for the import of caviar of sturgeon species listed in Annex B of the EC Endangered Species Regulation up to a maximum total quantity of 125 g per person in properly labeled containers if it is carried in luggage and consumption is determined exclusively for personal needs.

The import of food and animal feed of animal origin for personal needs is prohibited or possible only to a limited extent, especially for health reasons. These goods include, for example, meat and meat products, game, milk and dairy products, and eggs.

Travelers may generally bring the following goods with them within the stated maximum quantity:

• Infant formula and special food required for medical reasons in unopened retail packaging up to 2 kg

• Food containing only small quantities of milk or cream, such as cream candies, chocolate, or cookies

• products of animal origin, except meat and milk, or products made from them up to 2 kg in weight (e.g. honey without honeycomb)

In the case of products from protected animal species (e.g. caviar from sturgeon species), species protection regulations must also be observed.

Dietary supplements

Certain dietary supplements or vitamin preparations may be considered medicines in Germany and are therefore subject to the Medicines Act.

When importing coffee and goods containing coffee from a country outside the EU (a third country), no special requirements need to be observed. The import of coffee and goods containing coffee carried in personal luggage for the traveler's own use or consumption is generally permitted and, within the limits of the normal travel value, is also tax-free.

Food of non-animal origin

Due to findings about possible health risks, the European Commission and national food control authorities have taken special protective measures for some foods of non-animal origin.

The protective measure in question may apply to food of non-animal origin from all third countries or may be limited to certain third countries. Import is then possible only upon presentation of certain certificates and after official approval. There may be exemptions for certain goods (e.g. certain spices).

Import of tobacco products from Bosnia and Herzegovina

You may bring in the following duty-free quantities of tobacco products for your personal use without paying customs duties when entering or returning from countries that are not members of the EU or from so-called third territories (e.g. from the Canary Islands or the British Channel Islands) if the importer is at least 17 years old:

• 200 cigarettes or

• 100 cigarillos or

• 50 cigars (Cuban cigars)

• 250 grams of smoking tobacco

However, please note that you must carry the goods in your personal luggage and that the goods must be for personal consumption only. When sending luggage by post or express service or courier service, significantly lower allowances are accepted. If travel souvenirs exceed the stated allowances, import duties must be paid.

These travel souvenirs must be declared orally at customs when entering from a country that is not a member of the EU. The resulting import taxes are calculated there (up to a goods value of 700 euros based on a flat rate).

Import of alcohol

You may bring in the following quantities of alcohol and alcoholic beverages tax-free for personal use if the importer is at least 17 years old:

• 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content by volume of more than 22 percent or 1 liter of non-denatured ethyl alcohol with an alcohol content by volume of 80 percent or more or 2 liters of alcohol and alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content of no more than 22 percent by volume or a proportional combination of these goods and 4 liters of still wine and • 16 liters of beer

When it comes to importing diamonds, for example from Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is necessary to have a special permit.

If you are traveling from EU countries

Special rules apply if you are traveling to Germany from another EU country.

Travel within the EU is generally not subject to any restrictions. However, there is an exception for so-called luxury goods (e.g. alcohol and alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and tobacco substitutes, and coffee), for which national excise duties are charged throughout the EU.

Therefore, certain regulations and recommended quantities must be observed for these goods when traveling within the EU, where it is assumed that they are brought for personal use.

When it comes to the amount of money you can carry with you, it is an amount of 10,000 euros within EU countries, as well as countries outside the EU. This does not mean only cash, but also, for example, securities such as shares, checks, savings books.

Source: fenix-magazin.de