What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives in Germany?

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

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: “Faustmesser, Butterflymesser, Fallmesser, Springmesser”

How much Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into Germany?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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

Verbotene Waffen und Munition Generalzolldirektion / Bundeszollverwaltung (Zoll online)

Questions about Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives in Germany

How many Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into Germany?: Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives may not be brought into Germany at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives at Germany customs?: There is nothing to declare — Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out of Germany?: Germany publishes no separate rule for taking Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Germany limit for Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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: “Faustmesser, Butterflymesser, Fallmesser, Springmesser”
How does Germany compare with other countries on Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. Germany is among the strictest.

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