Passenger inspection by the customs service at a German airport
As "Russkaya Germaniya" notes, virtually anyone can inadvertently (due to lack of knowledge of customs regulations) or quite predictably ("I know it's prohibited to bring, but I'll risk it!") come into conflict with the law. Therefore, let us list the main "stumbling blocks" at the border.
Entry into Germany from European space countries and entry from non-European space countries differ in terms of legal provisions. Here is the maximum quantity of goods allowed to be imported into Germany from third countries:
• 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco – for persons aged 17 and over;
• 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of low-alcohol beverages plus 4 liters of wine or 16 liters of beer – also for those aged 17 and over;
• medicines in quantities justified by personal consumption needs;
• 10 liters of fuel in a canister in addition to what may be in the vehicle's tank;
• other goods up to a total value of 300 euros, for air passengers up to 430 euros, for children under 15 up to 175 euros.
The last item does not refer to personal items, sports equipment, etc., although if such personal belongings are particularly valuable, consulting with customs officers would not be superfluous. For those working permanently or regularly in third countries and crossing the border more than once a month, much stricter restrictions apply, by the way.
When importing tobacco products from EU countries (except for a few remote territories, including the Canary Islands), as well as Malta and Cyprus, the limits are significantly higher: 800 cigarettes or their equivalent. Coffee is allowed up to 10 kg, spirits up to 10 liters, low-alcohol beverages (sherry, port) up to 20 liters, sparkling wine up to 60 liters, still wine up to 90 liters, and beer up to 110 liters.
One should be very cautious when importing certain specific groups of goods and objects into Germany. Let us list some of them:
• black caviar: allowed up to 125 g from producers on the official list;
honey and wild mushrooms: up to 2 kg;
• potatoes: prohibited;
• any animal products except fish: prohibited;
• dietary supplements: with significant restrictions;
• weapons, including toy weapons: generally prohibited;
• animals: there are significant differences depending on the species and the country of origin – in any case, one must contact the customs veterinary service for information on transport regulations; many breeds of fighting dogs are generally prohibited from import;
• hardcore pornography: for distribution, transport of porn is prohibited; involving children: absolutely prohibited;
• plants: with restrictions, mainly applying to non-European countries.
Note that rumors about the risk of transporting certain goods may be exaggerated. For example, if counterfeit branded goods or pirated discs imported from European countries are for personal use and their value does not exceed 300 euros (or 430 euros for air or sea travel), customs usually makes a permissive exception. It is worth noting that when sending such items by mail, no exceptions exist.
While violations of the value limit for permitted goods are unlikely to be strictly enforced (attention may be drawn to electronics or new items in quantities exceeding personal consumption), excessive quantities of tobacco products, common among travelers from Poland, for example, may have consequences. Tricks such as crossing the border by car, parking immediately at the border, walking back to a supermarket in the desired country, and "bringing in" another batch of goods will not work either. Customs sees through such maneuvers instantly.
Foreigners are generally treated with more scrutiny than citizens; besides fines, there is a risk of lengthy customs proceedings.
It cannot be said that transporting goods worth more than the legally specified amounts is absolutely prohibited. It will simply be subject to customs duty (a few percent, depending on the product category) or may be considered commercial by customs officers and subject to different regulations.
Ignorance of the rules does not exempt the traveler from liability and threatens payment of duty – usually double. A fine of up to 50,000 euros is also possible, and in cases of large-scale smuggling, imprisonment for up to 10 years.