Where does this rule come from?

Generalzolldirektion (German Customs Administration) states it in Zoll online - Reisefreimengen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Germany compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

How much Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into Germany?

Allowed

You can bring Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions into Germany without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

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

Zoll online - Reisefreimengen Generalzolldirektion

Questions about Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in Germany

How much printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into Germany?: Germany publishes no quantity limit for printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions at Germany customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 Zoll online - Reisefreimengen. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Germany compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. Germany is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

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