With increasing international trade in Germany the risk of transporting pests and disease is high, which is why precautions are in place. By placing regulations and restrictions on the importation of personal effects into Germany it is protecting against a bad impact on the economic and ecological aspects of Germany.

The member states of the EU have agreed on union-wide phytonsanitary standards and regulations and Germany is no exception. This means that any wood packaging material has to meet requirements set out in the phytosanitary ISPM 15 Regulations. Also importers who wish to bring plants or products made of plants into or circulate them within the Single European Market have to register with the responsible authorities in their Federal State. EU-directives determine for which items this obligation applies.

When importing into Germany there are no particular restrictions for what are classed as normal consumer goods as well as food. When it comes to alcohol, tobacco, perfume and coffee; these can be imported into Germany but they are subject to you having to pay duty. Live animals and animal products protected by the Washington agreement on the protection of species may not be imported.

You are able to bring medication across to Germany with you as well as prescriptions that you currently hold; however the importation of medication into Germany is subject to customs inspection and they must be presented to an expert to gain confirmation that they are legally allowed to be brought into Germany.

Unlike many places across Europe as well as the rest of the world who don’t generally allow you to bring in firearms; Germany will allow you to bring firearms across when you are shipping to Germany but again these are subject to restrictions. All firearms that are being shipped to Germany must be entered on the inventory as last items, when you do enter these on the inventory list you need to include the model, calibre and serial number. All of your firearms must be loaded close to the door of the container/lift/van/truck. All of the firearms that are shipped to Germany must be registered with the German authorities before a release will be granted by customs officials.

Your household goods may be imported into Germany duty-free as long as they have been in your possession for at least one year and are going to continue being used. You are not allowed to sell, loan out or give away any of your imported household goods for a period of one year, if it comes to the attention of German customs that you have done this you will be charged duty and import tax. If you cannot import the household goods immediately at the time of taking up residence, then proof must be given as to the reasons of the delay, but goods must be imported within one year.