What happens if I do not declare accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Zoll online - Überschreiten der Reisefreimengen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Die Einfuhrabgaben werden anhand eines pauschalierten Abgabensatzes berechnet, wenn der Wert der abgabenpflichtigen Waren je Reisender den Betrag von 700 Euro nicht übersteigt.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band), 8 limit it and 12 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

How much Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) can I bring into Germany?

Declare

You can bring Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) into Germany, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration Required

Limit 700 EUR

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 700 EUR
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Zoll online - Überschreiten der Reisefreimengen German Customs (Zoll)

Questions about Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) in Germany

How much accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) can I bring into Germany?: Germany allows accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) to be brought in, but it has to be declared once it reaches 700 EUR. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) 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 - Überschreiten der Reisefreimengen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Die Einfuhrabgaben werden anhand eines pauschalierten Abgabensatzes berechnet, wenn der Wert der abgabenpflichtigen Waren je Reisender den Betrag von 700 Euro nicht übersteigt.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band), 8 limit it and 12 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages up to and including 22% vol

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

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Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods Gifts sent by post