Do I have to declare counterfeit and pirated goods at Germany customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare counterfeit and pirated goods in Germany?

Under Article 23: the goods are confiscated; the goods are destroyed.

Can I post or ship counterfeit and pirated goods 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 counterfeit and pirated goods out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking counterfeit and pirated goods out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for counterfeit and pirated goods 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 Häufige Fragen zu gefälschten oder nachgeahmten Waren im Reiseverkehr. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Germany compare with other countries on counterfeit and pirated goods?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 10 prohibit counterfeit and pirated goods, 7 limit it and 3 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

How many counterfeit and pirated goods can I bring into Germany?

Official classification: Counterfeit and pirated goods

Restricted

You can bring counterfeit and pirated goods into Germany only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

Post or courier prohibited

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier
No stated quantity
Value cap: 430 EUR
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

If you do not declare

Step 1: Confiscation, Destruction

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Häufige Fragen zu gefälschten oder nachgeahmten Waren im Reiseverkehr Generalzolldirektion (Zoll)
Häufige Fragen zu gefälschten oder nachgeahmten Waren im Reiseverkehr German Customs (Zoll)
Zoll online - Marken- und Produktpiraterie - Häufige Fragen zu gefälschten oder nachgeahmten Waren im Reiseverkehr German Customs (Zoll)

Questions about Counterfeit and pirated goods in Germany

Do I have to declare counterfeit and pirated goods at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare counterfeit and pirated goods in Germany?: Under Article 23: the goods are confiscated; the goods are destroyed.
Can I post or ship counterfeit and pirated goods 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 counterfeit and pirated goods out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking counterfeit and pirated goods out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for counterfeit and pirated goods 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 Häufige Fragen zu gefälschten oder nachgeahmten Waren im Reiseverkehr. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on counterfeit and pirated goods?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 10 prohibit counterfeit and pirated goods, 7 limit it and 3 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

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

Antique and replica weapons 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