Germany
Germany Customs Information – Hercules Worldwide
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Copy of passport showing photo page, and copy of visa and/or work permit (foreign citizens only)
- Signed declaration indicating imported items are owners personal effects Signed declaration indicating imported items do not require customs restrictions (does not carry drugs, weapons and so on)
- Statement of transfer from employer, written in German if possible. Should note you were an employee for the company abroad, how long have lived in country of employment, and will remain an employee of company while in Germany.
- Work permit (Arberterlaubins) is needed for foreign citizens and is issued by the local employment office
- Resident visa or residence permit; resident visa not necessary for German nationals, residence permit granted after work permit issued.
- Declarations that no taxable high value goods are included in shipment; these include alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, guns and so on. These goods are to be listed separated and will be taxed.
- Certificate of registration (Anmeldebestaetigung) from local registration office
- If you are a German national, your shipment will not clear customs unless you provide a declaration from the German Embassy or Consulate stating your length of stay abroad and exact destination address in Germany.
- 3 copies of German Customs Form 0350 (Zollantrag) stating goods will not be sold for one year after import.
- May require a health certificate
- Copy of insurance certificate
- Customs clearance Power of Attorney form authorizing destination agent to act on your behalf in cooperation with customs.
- Certificate from the Embassy or Consulate required for foreign diplomats
- Power of attorney
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- IF ALL DOCUMENTS NOT IN ORDER, YOU MUST BE PRESENT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
- May import household goods duty-free if you have lived for a minimum of 1 year abroad, and if the goods were owned by you for over 6 months and will not be sold for at least 1 year.
- Household goods should be imported into Germany within 1 year of taking up residence; if you fail to do so, reasons for delay will be needed. The maximum limit is 3 years from start of residency.
- Inheritance items require a death certificate, and “erbschein” or an official document certifying you have inherited these items from the deceased; must also state the relationship between you and deceased.
- Import of wedding trousseaux requires a marriage certificate, and if household goods imported prior to marriage proof must be given that marriage will occur within 2 months.
RESTRICTED ITEMS/DUTIABLE
- Items less than 6 months old (new items) require an invoice
- To import alcohol, a detailed inventory list including the exact number and size of bottles, exact alcoholic strength in percentage, and the value of each bottle must be provided.
- Tea, coffee, tobacco, toilet waters, perfumes and so on
- Foodstuffs in large quantities – not recommended to ship with household goods
- Electronic items such as videos, computers, stereos and so on must identify serial number and have purchase invoice
- Duplicate appliances or electrical equipment subject to high duties
- Large amounts of handicrafts
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- To import guns must have a Certificate of Registration, valid passport of owner, proof of ownership and a gun license for importation. The following information also applies to importing guns:
- May import duty-free if firearm has been owned for a minimum of 6 months before importing
- Guns must be easily accessible
- Required to apply for a German Ownership Permit
- List last on items of inventory; also identify model, caliber and serial number
- Explosives
- Ammunition
- Narcotics and drugs
- Live plants require a special Import Permit
- Protected animals or species, dried plants or items of historical significance; including but not limited to: ivory, snakeskin, leopard fur, pre-Columbian items and so on.
- Pornographic materials
- Certain meats
- Methyl alcohol, absinthe and pure alcohol
- Radioactive material
- Grape juice, wine and other various foodstuffs and consumer goods in large quantities
MOTOR VEHICLES
- Can import duty-free if you have lived abroad for over 1 year, owned and used vehicle for at least 6 months, if imported for personal use with household goods and will not be sold for 1 year following import.
- Vehicles must be inspected before licensing, comply with German technical and environmental regulations and may require modification
- The following documents are required:
- Proof of ownership
- Car documents
- Passport
- German drivers license
- Police registration in Germany
- Insurance record from country of origin
- Declaration that no high value goods present in vehicle
- Third-party liability insurance beginning with customs clearance
- Registration and copy of title from place of origin
- If new vehicle, commercial invoice
- Highly recommended to inform destination agent of all auto details prior to import
**NOTE- all customs regulations and procedures are subject to change at any time. The above customs information is provided as a brief summary of Germany customs regulations and applies only to household goods shipments, and is for your general guidance. Hercules Worldwide is not liable for any damage, delays, duties, costs, taxes or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance, omissions or errors. Always check full requirements and restrictions with the local embassy or consulate. **
