Do I have to declare obscene material and counterfeit currency at Germany customs?

There is nothing to declare — obscene material and counterfeit currency cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare obscene material and counterfeit currency in Germany?

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

Can I take obscene material and counterfeit currency out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking obscene material and counterfeit currency out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for obscene material and counterfeit currency 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 Jugendgefährdende Inhalte und Medien. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Danach bestehen insbesondere Ein- und Ausfuhrverbote für das Verbringen von jugendgefährdenden Inhalte/Medien.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on obscene material and counterfeit currency?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit obscene material and counterfeit currency, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

Can I bring obscene material and counterfeit currency to Germany?

Official classification: Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities

Prohibited

You cannot bring obscene material and counterfeit currency 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

Jugendgefährdende Inhalte und Medien German Customs (Zoll)

Questions about Obscene materials and counterfeit currency in Germany

Can I bring obscene material and counterfeit currency to Germany?: obscene material and counterfeit currency may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare obscene material and counterfeit currency at Germany customs?: There is nothing to declare — obscene material and counterfeit currency cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare obscene material and counterfeit currency 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 obscene material and counterfeit currency 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 obscene material and counterfeit currency out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking obscene material and counterfeit currency out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for obscene material and counterfeit currency 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 Jugendgefährdende Inhalte und Medien. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Danach bestehen insbesondere Ein- und Ausfuhrverbote für das Verbringen von jugendgefährdenden Inhalte/Medien.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on obscene material and counterfeit currency?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit obscene material and counterfeit currency, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

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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