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

There is nothing to declare — prohibited telecommunications 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 telecommunications equipment in Germany?

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

Can I take prohibited telecommunications equipment out of Germany?

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

Does the Germany limit for prohibited telecommunications 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 telecommunications equipment?

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

Can I bring prohibited telecommunications equipment to Germany?

Official classification: Prohibited telecommunication equipment

Prohibited

You cannot bring prohibited telecommunications 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 telecommunications equipment in Germany

Can I bring prohibited telecommunications equipment to Germany?: prohibited telecommunications 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 telecommunications equipment at Germany customs?: There is nothing to declare — prohibited telecommunications 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 telecommunications 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 telecommunications 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 telecommunications equipment out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking prohibited telecommunications equipment out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for prohibited telecommunications 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 telecommunications equipment?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 7 prohibit prohibited telecommunications equipment, 12 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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