Do I have to declare personal exemption, absence over 48 hours at Germany customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 exemption, absence over 48 hours out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking personal exemption, absence over 48 hours out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 Travellers’ allowances. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “up to a value of 430 euros for air/sea travellers”

How does Germany compare with other countries on personal exemption, absence over 48 hours?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal exemption, absence over 48 hours, 2 limit it and 17 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

How much Personal exemption, absence over 48 hours can I bring into Germany?

Allowed

You can bring Personal exemption, absence over 48 hours into Germany without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

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

Travellers’ allowances German Customs (Zoll)

Questions about Personal exemption, absence over 48 hours in Germany

How much personal exemption, absence over 48 hours can I bring into Germany?: Germany publishes no quantity limit for personal exemption, absence over 48 hours carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare personal exemption, absence over 48 hours at Germany customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 exemption, absence over 48 hours out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking personal exemption, absence over 48 hours out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for personal exemption, absence over 48 hours 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 Travellers’ allowances. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “up to a value of 430 euros for air/sea travellers”
How does Germany compare with other countries on personal exemption, absence over 48 hours?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal exemption, absence over 48 hours, 2 limit it and 17 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

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