Do I have to declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) at Germany customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 Zoll online - Arznei- und Betaeubungsmittel. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-17.

How does Germany compare with other countries on personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use medicines (non-controlled), 5 limit it and 15 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

How much Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) into Germany only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-17

Zoll online - Arznei- und Betaeubungsmittel Generalzolldirektion

Questions about Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) in Germany

Do I have to declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 Zoll online - Arznei- und Betaeubungsmittel. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-17.
How does Germany compare with other countries on personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use medicines (non-controlled), 5 limit it and 15 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

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)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances