Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at Germany customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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: “However no phytosanitary certificate is needed for fruits of pineapple, coconut, durian, banana or date, for which there are no restrictions.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

How much Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into Germany?

Allowed

You can bring Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) into Germany without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

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 Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) in Germany

Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at Germany customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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: “However no phytosanitary certificate is needed for fruits of pineapple, coconut, durian, banana or date, for which there are no restrictions.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

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