Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at Germany customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 take firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 Verbringen und Mitnahme von Waffen und Munition nach dem Waffengesetz. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Das Verbringen oder die Mitnahme von Waffen oder Munition nach oder durch Deutschland ist grundsätzlich erlaubnispflichtig.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring firearms, ammunition and controlled knives to Germany?

Official classification: Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives

Restricted

You can bring firearms, ammunition and controlled knives into Germany only within the stated limits.

Extra conditions apply

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
Extra conditions apply

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Verbringen und Mitnahme von Waffen und Munition nach dem Waffengesetz Generalzolldirektion / German Customs Administration (zoll.de)

Questions about Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in Germany

Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 Verbringen und Mitnahme von Waffen und Munition nach dem Waffengesetz. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Das Verbringen oder die Mitnahme von Waffen oder Munition nach oder durch Deutschland ist grundsätzlich erlaubnispflichtig.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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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