Do I have to declare powders and other granular substances at Germany customs?

There is nothing to declare — powders and other granular substances cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances out of Germany?

Germany publishes no separate rule for taking powders and other granular substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Germany limit for powders and other granular substances 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 Für Ihre Sicherheit am Flughafen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Diese Dinge dürfen Sie nicht mitnehmen. Nicht im Reise-Gepäck und nicht im Hand-Gepäck: Stoffe, die brennen oder explodieren können.”

How does Germany compare with other countries on powders and other granular substances?

Of the 17 countries covered here, 4 prohibit powders and other granular substances, 5 limit it and 8 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

How much Powders and other granular substances can I bring into Germany?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Powders and other granular substances into Germany.

Carried Not allowed

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

Für Ihre Sicherheit am Flughafen German Federal Police (Bundespolizei)

Questions about Powders and other granular substances in Germany

How many powders and other granular substances can I bring into Germany?: powders and other granular substances may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare powders and other granular substances at Germany customs?: There is nothing to declare — powders and other granular substances cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances 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 powders and other granular substances out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking powders and other granular substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for powders and other granular substances 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 Für Ihre Sicherheit am Flughafen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Diese Dinge dürfen Sie nicht mitnehmen. Nicht im Reise-Gepäck und nicht im Hand-Gepäck: Stoffe, die brennen oder explodieren können.”
How does Germany compare with other countries on powders and other granular substances?: Of the 17 countries covered here, 4 prohibit powders and other granular substances, 5 limit it and 8 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

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