Do I have to declare gifts sent by post at Germany customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking gifts sent by post out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for gifts sent by post 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 - Reisefreimengen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Die Reisemitbringsel dürfen ausschließlich zum persönlichen Gebrauch oder Verbrauch des Reisenden, für Angehörige seines Haushalts oder als Geschenk bestimmt sein.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on gifts sent by post?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit gifts sent by post, 6 limit it and 14 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

How much Gifts sent by post can I bring into Germany?

Allowed

You can bring Gifts sent by post into Germany without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Not required

Limit 430 EUR

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Value cap: 430 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 - Reisefreimengen Generalzolldirektion

Questions about Gifts sent by post in Germany

How much gifts sent by post can I bring into Germany?: Germany publishes no quantity limit for gifts sent by post carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare gifts sent by post at Germany customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post 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 gifts sent by post out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking gifts sent by post out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for gifts sent by post 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 - Reisefreimengen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Die Reisemitbringsel dürfen ausschließlich zum persönlichen Gebrauch oder Verbrauch des Reisenden, für Angehörige seines Haushalts oder als Geschenk bestimmt sein.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on gifts sent by post?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit gifts sent by post, 6 limit it and 14 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

Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods