How many goods banned by law can I bring into Germany?

goods banned by law may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare goods banned by law at Germany customs?

There is nothing to declare — goods banned by law cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare goods banned by law in Germany?

Under Abgabenordnung, § 372 Absatz 1, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.

Can I post or ship goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking goods banned by law out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for goods banned by law 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 Verbotene Waffen und Munition. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Der Umgang mit folgenden Waffen und Munition ist gemäß Anlage 2 Abschnitt 1 Waffengesetz (WaffG) verboten:”

How does Germany compare with other countries on goods banned by law?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 15 prohibit goods banned by law, 5 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

How much Goods banned by law can I bring into Germany?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Goods banned by law into Germany.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

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

Verbotene Waffen und Munition Generalzolldirektion / Bundeszollverwaltung (Zoll online)

Questions about Goods banned by law in Germany

How many goods banned by law can I bring into Germany?: goods banned by law may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare goods banned by law at Germany customs?: There is nothing to declare — goods banned by law cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare goods banned by law in Germany?: Under Abgabenordnung, § 372 Absatz 1, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Can I post or ship goods banned by law 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 goods banned by law out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking goods banned by law out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for goods banned by law 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 Verbotene Waffen und Munition. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Der Umgang mit folgenden Waffen und Munition ist gemäß Anlage 2 Abschnitt 1 Waffengesetz (WaffG) verboten:”
How does Germany compare with other countries on goods banned by law?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 15 prohibit goods banned by law, 5 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

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