Do I have to declare food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement at Germany customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement 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 food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement 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 food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement 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 Travellers’ allowances. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The goods are intended exclusively for your personal use or consumption, for members of your household, or as a gift.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement, 15 limit it and 4 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement can I bring into Germany?

Restricted

You can bring Food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement into Germany only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

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

Travellers’ allowances German Customs (Zoll)

Questions about Food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement in Germany

How much food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement can I bring into Germany?: Germany allows 430 EUR per traveller. Above that the goods are treated as an import and duty becomes payable. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement 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 food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement 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 food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement 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 Travellers’ allowances. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “The goods are intended exclusively for your personal use or consumption, for members of your household, or as a gift.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit food, medicine, cosmetics and food supplement, 15 limit it and 4 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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