What happens if I do not declare narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines 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.

Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Medicinal products and narcotics. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Travellers may take with them appropriate quantities of narcotics that have been prescribed in this way by their doctors for their own use during the period of their travel to Germany.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines to Germany?

Official classification: Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines

Restricted

You can bring narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines 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

Medicinal products and narcotics German Customs

Questions about Narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines in Germany

Do I have to declare narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines at Germany customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Germany customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines 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 Medicinal products and narcotics. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Travellers may take with them appropriate quantities of narcotics that have been prescribed in this way by their doctors for their own use during the period of their travel to Germany.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the ones that set a limit.

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