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.
The German Customs Agency is called the Zollampt. The information on this page is mainly aimed at travellers from South Africa (or most countries outside the Schengen Area) to Germany. For rules and restrictions when travelling within the Schengen Area please refer to the German Customs Website
Duties, taxes and allowances
Please note that when you move to Germany, different rules and allowances may apply. You can find more information about transferring residence to Germany on this webpage.
For information on normal travel allowances, duties and taxes, please refer to this page
Restrictions
Below are some examples of restrictions, but please refer to the complete restrictions list for a complete overview:
Tobacco and alcoholic products
When travelling from outside the EU the following restrictions apply.
If the importer is at least 17 years old:
- 200 cigarettes or
- 100 cigarillos or
- 50 cigars or
- 250 grammes of tobacco or
- a proportionate combination of these goods.
For more information on the allowance that applies (also alcohol) click here
Information on allowances within the EU see here
Medicinal products
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 found on the Customs website and in the Medicinal Products Act
Animals and plants or products containing animal or vegetable substances
Protected species – Many of us find stuffed animals, objects made of animal parts, or plants that are fascinating because they look unusual, attractive. Such souvenirs are often on sale where we go for our holidays. 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). More info can also be found on the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation
Products of Animal origin
When meat or milk, or meat or dairy products such as sausage or cheese are imported for personal consumption they must meet the same veterinary requirements as those applying to commercial imports.
This means that travellers who are carrying such products may only enter the European Union through those points of entry where a veterinarian is on duty. The necessary health certificates and a validated Common Veterinary Entry Document – CVED must also accompany the products.
This includes Biltong, Droëwors and Evaporated milk from South Africa
References
- The German Customs “Zoll” Home page
- BMEL (Federal Ministry of food and Agriculture) – Importation of products of animal origin for personal consumption and also German regulations on the import of food.
- Commission Regulation (EC) No 206/2009 regulates the non-commercial introduction of all animal products into the EU. This regulation has been directly applicable law since 1 May 2009.
Apps
- Zoll und Reise – The “Customs and Travel” app helps holidaymakers to find out quickly and easily which goods are allowed to enter Germany and what should be avoided. An integrated allowance calculator shows what can be brought to Germany tax-free. To avoid roaming charges abroad, the app does not need an internet connection after installation. How many cartons of cigarettes can be imported tax-free? What about the watch that is so much cheaper in the holiday country than at home? With the help of this app you are above all customs-related doubts and can start your journey home without worries.
- Zoll und Post – When the goods are dispatched by post from a non-EU country, customs regulations must be complied with and import duties must usually be paid. The new “Customs and Post” app calculates the expected taxes and provides information on important customs regulations for a wide variety of goods groups. It also warns of the dangers that some products can pose
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