Do I have to declare soil at Portugal customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Portugal customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare soil in Portugal?

Under Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, Guia para Viajantes, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under AT, Guia para Viajantes: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under RGIT, artigo 108.º n.º 2, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship soil to Portugal 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 travels under the same allowance.

Can I take soil out of Portugal?

Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking soil out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Portugal limit for soil 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?

Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) states it in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.

How does Portugal compare with other countries on soil?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. Portugal is among the strictest.

How much Soil can I bring into Portugal?

Restricted

You can bring Soil into Portugal 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

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 European Commission

Questions about Soil in Portugal

Do I have to declare soil at Portugal customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Portugal customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare soil in Portugal?: Under Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, Guia para Viajantes, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under AT, Guia para Viajantes: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under RGIT, artigo 108.º n.º 2, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship soil to Portugal 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 travels under the same allowance.
Can I take soil out of Portugal?: Portugal publishes no separate rule for taking soil out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Portugal limit for soil 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?: Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira (AT) states it in Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19.
How does Portugal compare with other countries on soil?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. Portugal 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

Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Fish and other fishery products Food, plant and animal products under agency control