Do I have to declare fruit and vegetables at Germany customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare fruit and vegetables 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 fruit and vegetables 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 fruit and vegetables out of Germany?

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

Does the Germany limit for fruit and vegetables 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 Trade in plants & plant products from non-EU countries - Food Safety. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “It is prohibited to introduce into the EU territory plants, plant products and other objects in passengers’ personal luggage, unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on fruit and vegetables?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit fruit and vegetables, 15 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring fruit and vegetables to Germany?

Official classification: Fruits and vegetables

Restricted

You can bring fruit and vegetables into Germany only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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

Trade in plants & plant products from non-EU countries - Food Safety European Commission

Questions about Fruits and vegetables in Germany

Do I have to declare fruit and vegetables at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare fruit and vegetables 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 fruit and vegetables 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 fruit and vegetables out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking fruit and vegetables out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for fruit and vegetables 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 Trade in plants & plant products from non-EU countries - Food Safety. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “It is prohibited to introduce into the EU territory plants, plant products and other objects in passengers’ personal luggage, unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on fruit and vegetables?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit fruit and vegetables, 15 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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Quick facts

Jurisdiction: Germany
Travel mode: Rail

Freshness

Last verified: 2026-09-19
Next review: 2026-12-17

Destination

DE Germany

All Germany rules

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