Do I have to declare aquarium fish at Germany customs?

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

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

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

Does the Germany limit for aquarium 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 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Germany compare with other countries on aquarium fish?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit aquarium fish, 14 limit it and 4 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Aquarium fish can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Aquarium fish into Germany only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

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

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 Publications Office of the European Union (EUR-Lex)

Questions about Aquarium fish in Germany

Do I have to declare aquarium fish at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare aquarium 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 aquarium 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 aquarium fish out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking aquarium fish out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for aquarium 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 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on aquarium fish?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 2 prohibit aquarium fish, 14 limit it and 4 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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