Do I have to declare guns, bullets and explosives at Germany customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare guns, bullets and explosives 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 guns, bullets and explosives 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 guns, bullets and explosives out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking guns, bullets and explosives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for guns, bullets and explosives 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: “Waffen und Munition sind bei dem Verbringen oder der Mitnahme aus einem Drittland bei der Zollstelle unaufgefordert anzumelden.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on guns, bullets and explosives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit guns, bullets and explosives, 16 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring guns, bullets and explosives to Germany?

Official classification: Guns, bullets, explosives and equivalents

Declare

You can bring guns, bullets and explosives into Germany, but you must declare it.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required

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

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

Questions about Guns, bullets and explosives in Germany

Do I have to declare guns, bullets and explosives at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare guns, bullets and explosives 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 guns, bullets and explosives 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 guns, bullets and explosives out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking guns, bullets and explosives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for guns, bullets and explosives 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: “Waffen und Munition sind bei dem Verbringen oder der Mitnahme aus einem Drittland bei der Zollstelle unaufgefordert anzumelden.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on guns, bullets and explosives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit guns, bullets and explosives, 16 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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