Do I have to declare antique and replica weapons at Germany customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare antique and replica weapons 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 antique and replica weapons 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 antique and replica weapons out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking antique and replica weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for antique and replica weapons 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 Verbringen und Mitnahme von Waffen und Munition nach dem Waffengesetz. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Das Verbringen oder die Mitnahme von Waffen oder Munition nach oder durch Deutschland ist grundsätzlich erlaubnispflichtig.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on antique and replica weapons?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit antique and replica weapons, 16 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Antique and replica weapons can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Antique and replica weapons into Germany only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

Verbringen und Mitnahme von Waffen und Munition nach dem Waffengesetz Generalzolldirektion / German Customs Administration (zoll.de)

Questions about Antique and replica weapons in Germany

Do I have to declare antique and replica weapons at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare antique and replica weapons 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 antique and replica weapons 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 antique and replica weapons out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking antique and replica weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for antique and replica weapons 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 Verbringen und Mitnahme von Waffen und Munition nach dem Waffengesetz. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Das Verbringen oder die Mitnahme von Waffen oder Munition nach oder durch Deutschland ist grundsätzlich erlaubnispflichtig.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on antique and replica weapons?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit antique and replica weapons, 16 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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

Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)