Do I have to declare used household goods (relocation) at Germany customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare used household goods (relocation) 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 used household goods (relocation) 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 used household goods (relocation) out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking used household goods (relocation) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for used household goods (relocation) 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 Voraussetzungen und Regelungen - Übersiedlungsgut. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Die erforderliche Zollanmeldung muss durch den Begünstigten grundsätzlich bereits zum Zeitpunkt der Einfuhr abgegeben werden.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on used household goods (relocation)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used household goods (relocation), 7 limit it and 13 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

Can I bring used household goods (relocation) to Germany?

Official classification: Used household goods (relocation)

Declare

You can bring used household goods (relocation) into Germany, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration 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

Voraussetzungen und Regelungen - Übersiedlungsgut German Customs (Zoll online)

Questions about Used household goods (relocation) in Germany

Do I have to declare used household goods (relocation) at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare used household goods (relocation) 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 used household goods (relocation) 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 used household goods (relocation) out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking used household goods (relocation) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for used household goods (relocation) 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 Voraussetzungen und Regelungen - Übersiedlungsgut. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Die erforderliche Zollanmeldung muss durch den Begünstigten grundsätzlich bereits zum Zeitpunkt der Einfuhr abgegeben werden.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on used household goods (relocation)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit used household goods (relocation), 7 limit it and 13 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

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