Do I have to declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) at Germany customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 Zoll online - Reisefreimengen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Germany compare with other countries on dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), 12 limit it and 8 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) can I bring into Germany?

Allowed

You can bring Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) into Germany without a special limit.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

Zoll online - Reisefreimengen Generalzolldirektion

Questions about Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) in Germany

How much dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) can I bring into Germany?: Germany publishes no quantity limit for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) at Germany customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid) 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 Zoll online - Reisefreimengen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid), 12 limit it and 8 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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