Do I have to declare prohibited telecommunication equipment at Germany customs?

There is nothing to declare — prohibited telecommunication equipment cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare prohibited telecommunication equipment in Germany?

Under Abgabenordnung, § 372 Absatz 1, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 prohibited telecommunication equipment out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking prohibited telecommunication equipment out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 Verbraucherinformation zu Kinderuhren mit Abhörfunktion. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Germany compare with other countries on prohibited telecommunication equipment?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunication equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Prohibited telecommunication equipment can I bring into Germany?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Prohibited telecommunication equipment into Germany.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Verbraucherinformation zu Kinderuhren mit Abhörfunktion Bundesnetzagentur

Questions about Prohibited telecommunication equipment in Germany

How many prohibited telecommunication equipment can I bring into Germany?: prohibited telecommunication equipment may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare prohibited telecommunication equipment at Germany customs?: There is nothing to declare — prohibited telecommunication equipment cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare prohibited telecommunication equipment in Germany?: Under Abgabenordnung, § 372 Absatz 1, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 prohibited telecommunication equipment out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking prohibited telecommunication equipment out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for prohibited telecommunication equipment 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 Verbraucherinformation zu Kinderuhren mit Abhörfunktion. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on prohibited telecommunication equipment?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunication equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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