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

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

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

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

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

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit meat and fish, 15 limit it and 2 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Meat and fish can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Meat and fish 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 Meat and fish in Germany

Do I have to declare meat and fish at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare meat and fish 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 meat and fish 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 meat and fish out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking meat and fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for meat and fish 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 meat and fish?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit meat and fish, 15 limit it and 2 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)

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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 Food, plant and animal products under agency control