What happens if I do not declare food, plant and animal products under agency control in Germany?

If you declare the excess yourself, a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Abgabenordnung, § 375 Absatz 2 Satz 1, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship food, plant and animal products under agency control to Germany instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.

Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Einfuhr von tierischen Erzeugnissen im Reiseverkehr. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Germany compare with other countries on food, plant and animal products under agency control?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit food, plant and animal products under agency control, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Food, plant and animal products under agency control can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Food, plant and animal products under agency control into Germany only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Einfuhr von tierischen Erzeugnissen im Reiseverkehr German Customs (Zoll)

Questions about Food, plant and animal products under agency control in Germany

Do I have to declare food, plant and animal products under agency control at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare food, plant and animal products under agency control in Germany?: If you declare the excess yourself, a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. The normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Abgabenordnung, § 375 Absatz 2 Satz 1, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship food, plant and animal products under agency control to Germany instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you is outside this allowance.
Can I take food, plant and animal products under agency control out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking food, plant and animal products under agency control out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for food, plant and animal products under agency control apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Einfuhr von tierischen Erzeugnissen im Reiseverkehr. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on food, plant and animal products under agency control?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit food, plant and animal products under agency control, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Fish and other fishery products Fruits and vegetables