Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Einfuhr verbrauchsteuerpflichtiger Waren in das Steuergebiet. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How much Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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

Einfuhr verbrauchsteuerpflichtiger Waren in das Steuergebiet Generalzolldirektion / German Customs Administration (zoll.de)

Questions about Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) in Germany

Do I have to declare Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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 Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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 Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) 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 Einfuhr verbrauchsteuerpflichtiger Waren in das Steuergebiet. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit), 19 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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