It is very tempting to bring some South African goodies with you when you travel to Germany, and while most items are allowed, there are Restrictions. There is also a limit on duty-free allowances.
Germany’s customs authority is known as the Zollamt, and they take their job seriously. The information below is especially relevant to travellers coming from South Africa (or any country outside the Schengen Area). If you’re travelling within the Schengen Zone, the rules are a little different, so be sure to consult the official guidelines on the German Customs Website.
When researching what you’re allowed to bring into Germany, always double-check whether the rule applies to travel within the EU or from outside the EU—because they’re not the same! What’s allowed across EU borders can be quite different from what’s permitted when entering from a non-EU country like South Africa.
If you’re moving to Germany rather than just visiting, the rules for what you can bring with you are different. There are specific allowances for those transferring their residence, which may include household goods, personal belongings, and even vehicles.
You’ll find all the details on this webpage.
For those travelling to Germany for a holiday or short stay, the standard rules regarding duty-free allowances and import taxes apply.
You can read more about those on this page.
Below are a few examples of restricted items, but for the full and up-to-date list, be sure to check the official restrictions list provided by German Customs.
When travelling from outside the EU, the following restrictions apply.
If the importer is at least 17 years old:
For more information on the allowance that applies (also alcohol), click here
Information on allowances within the EU can be found here
When entering Germany, travellers may bring with them medicinal products in quantities that meet usual personal needs. In such cases, the usual personal need of a traveller is seen as being equivalent to a maximum of three months’ supply of the recommended dose of each medicinal product, irrespective of whether the medicinal products were already taken out of Germany and are now being brought back, or whether the products have been purchased abroad.
More information can be found on the Customs website and in the Medicinal Products Act
Protected species – Many travellers are drawn to unusual and beautiful souvenirs — stuffed animals, decorative objects made from animal parts, or rare plants that feel exotic and special. These items are often openly sold at holiday destinations, which creates the impression that they are harmless or legal to bring home. However, it is wise to be extremely cautious.
Some examples are exotic skins and fur coats (Zebra skin falls in this category), Cacti and cactus-like plants, Tillandsia, and orchids. Ivory or elephant leather (for example: ivory sculptures or carvings, elephant leather bags or elephant feet that have been converted into umbrella stands).
Many of these species are protected under international conservation agreements such as CITES, which strictly regulates or completely prohibits their trade across borders. Importing such items into Germany or the European Union without the correct permits can lead to confiscation, fines, and in serious cases criminal proceedings — even if the item was bought legally abroad, is for personal use, or has sentimental value.
For authoritative and up-to-date information, travellers should consult the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
Animal diseases, such as swine fever, bird flu, or foot-and-mouth disease, are widespread worldwide. There is, therefore, a constant risk of diseases being introduced that could threaten wildlife.
For this reason, the import of live animals and products of animal origin is only permitted after prior inspection by the responsible veterinary authorities and with the required health certificates. Additionally, imports are restricted to specific customs offices.
The import of live animals and products of animal origin is only permitted after inspection by official veterinary authorities and must be accompanied by valid health certificates. These imports may also only enter through designated border control posts where a veterinarian is present.
This applies not only to commercial imports, but also to items brought in for personal use.
If you bring meat or dairy products (for example, sausage, cheese, dried meat, or milk products) into the EU for personal consumption, the same veterinary rules apply as for commercial imports. This means:
In practice, private travellers do not have access to these documents, which is why such products are effectively prohibited.
The following may not be brought into Germany or the EU by private travellers from South Africa or any non-EU country:
Drying, curing, vacuum-sealing, or “it’s shelf-stable” does not change this. Meat is meat.
There seems to be some confusion when referring to an English Zoll page.
Some travellers quote the following (out of context):
“Other animal products than meat or milk and/or meat or milk products up to a weight of two kilogrammes (honey, for example).”
This does NOT mean you can bring 2 kg of meat products. What it actually means:
The German page is even clearer on this. You can also refer to the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2122
“Ausgenommen von diesen Regelungen sind z.B. die nachfolgenden Waren. Sie können daher grundsätzlich im Rahmen der angegebenen Höchstmenge durch Reisende mitgebracht werden:
If you believe you can bring Biltong into Germany, please declare it at customs upon arrival. Customs officials will provide you with the most current information and guidelines.
The official EU “Your Europe” guidance states plainly:
“If you travel to the EU from a non-EU country, you are not allowed to bring any meat or dairy products with you.”
See the EU Rules on the Your Europe official European Union website.
The reason is simple and non-negotiable:
The EU bans private imports of meat and dairy products due to the risk of spreading serious animal diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever.
Useful apps Having the correct information available when you need it is priceless. Here are some apps that can make your life easier in Germany. Note that for most, we did not add links to the apps, as it is a lot of work to maintain for all operating systems.
Checklist after arriving in Germany Your first days in Germany can feel like landing in a country that speaks fluent paperwork. Forms, appointments, rules, deadlines — all at once. What you need to do depends on why you’re here: a student’s checklist looks different from someone arriving for work, family
If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 3 months, you will need to register at your local Bürgeramt (Town office).This is called a Meldepflicht and is compulsory. More about the law can be found in BMG (in German) or in EnglishIt must be done within two weeks after moving into your residence. ” Anyone
You must be logged in to post a comment.