Do I have to declare fish and seafood at Germany customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare fish and seafood 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 fish and seafood 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 fish and seafood out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking fish and seafood out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for fish and seafood 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 fish and seafood?

Of the 21 countries covered here, 1 prohibit fish and seafood, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much fish and seafood can I bring into Germany?

Official classification: Fish and other fishery products

Allowed

You can bring fish and seafood into Germany without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

Limit 20 kilogram

What you need to know

20 kilogram (44.09 lb)
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 Fish and other fishery products in Germany

How much fish and seafood can I bring into Germany?: Germany allows 20 kilograms of fish and other fishery products per traveller without duty. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare fish and seafood at Germany customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare fish and seafood 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 fish and seafood 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 fish and seafood out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking fish and seafood out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for fish and seafood 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 fish and seafood?: Of the 21 countries covered here, 1 prohibit fish and seafood, 10 limit it and 10 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Food, plant and animal products under agency control Fruits and vegetables