How many soil can I bring into Germany?

soil may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare soil at Germany customs?

There is nothing to declare — soil cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare soil in Germany?

Under Abgabenordnung, § 372 Absatz 1, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship soil 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 soil out of Germany?

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

Does the Germany limit for soil 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 Durchführungsverordnung (EU) 2019/2072. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Germany compare with other countries on soil?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

How much Soil can I bring into Germany?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Soil into Germany.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Durchführungsverordnung (EU) 2019/2072 European Union (EUR-Lex)

Questions about Soil in Germany

How many soil can I bring into Germany?: soil may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare soil at Germany customs?: There is nothing to declare — soil cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare soil in Germany?: Under Abgabenordnung, § 372 Absatz 1, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship soil 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 soil out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking soil out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for soil 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 Durchführungsverordnung (EU) 2019/2072. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on soil?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

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