Customs clearance for moving to Germany

1. Confirm you qualify for duty-free “removal goods” relief (non-EU residence, used/owned items, import window).
2. Prepare the required German customs form and supporting residency documents.
3. Provide passport copy, German registration (if available), inventory list and any contracts (rent/employment if applicable).
4. Separate controlled categories (alcohol, tobacco, firearms, etc.) and follow specific rules for vehicles and pets.

• Duty-free relief is for moves from a non-EU country and requires proof of 12+ months outside the EU.
• Items must generally be owned & used for 6+ months before shipping.
• Goods must remain in your possession for 12 months after import (no sale/transfer).
• Any item with a single value over €5,000 must be listed with the individual value.

• Zoll — Restrictions overview:
  zoll.de — Restrictions
• Zoll — Restricted goods categories:
  zoll.de — Detailed restrictions

• Zoll — Import of pet animals:
  zoll.de — Pet animals
• Zoll — Dangerous dogs rules by federal state:
  zoll.de — Dangerous dogs

• You lived more than 12 months in a non-EU country (or can prove you planned 12+ months abroad).
• Import takes place within 12 months after you establish permanent residence in Germany.
• Household goods and/or vehicles were owned and used for at least 6 months before shipping (proof may be requested).
• Goods will be re-used in Germany for the same purpose and must remain in your possession for 12 months after import.

• Personal effects, household linen, furnishings and equipment for personal/household use.
• Private vehicles (bicycles, motorcycles, private cars with trailers, caravans, pleasure craft, private aircraft) — typically with proof of registration in the shipper’s name.
• Household provisions in normal family quantities.
• Domestic animals/pets and horses.
• Portable instruments/equipment for manual or freelance work if needed to practice the profession.

• Customs registration form 0350.
• Proof of time lived outside EU:
  • Notice of Departure (foreign authority) showing residence outside EU (ABMELDEBESCHEINIGUNG), or
  • Letter from third party (employer / German Embassy) confirming the shipper planned to live abroad for 12+ months.
• Copy of shipper’s passport.
• Inventory list of goods.

• Confirmation of Registration at the new German address (ANMELDBESTAETIGUNG), if available.
• Rental contract of the domicile, if appropriate.
• Employment contract, if appropriate.
• Signed shipper letter stating the following are not included (recommended): firearms, alcohol, tobacco/cigarettes, tea, coffee.

• Duty-free relief requires the owner to import removal goods within 12 months after establishing permanent residence in Germany.
• Goods must remain in the importer’s possession for 12 months after importation (no transfer/disposal).

• Marriage certificate / proof of marriage.
• Proof the person lived or planned to live 12+ months outside the EU.
• German registration confirmation (ANMELDBESTAETIGUNG), if available.
• Inventory list.

• Relief via written/electronic declaration; if written, SAD Copies 6 and 8 are used.
• Electronic customs declaration uses EU-Codes C02 and C03.
• Duty-free if:
  • Transfer of residence from non-EU country to Germany due to marriage with an EU citizen,
  • 12 consecutive months residence outside the EU (or proof you planned 12+ months),
  • Goods imported between 2 months before and 4 months after the wedding,
  • Goods are not transferred to another person for 12 months (no lending/pledging/renting/selling/giving away).
• Duty-free includes: used household goods, wedding trousseaux, and gifts up to €1,000 per gift.
• No duty-free import for: alcohol, tobacco, motor vehicles, gifts exceeding €1,000.
• If imported before the marriage, a security deposit will be requested.

• Certificate of inheritance / testament / other proof of entitlement.
• Declaration for release for free circulation (written/electronic); if written, SAD Copies 6 and 8.
• Electronic customs declaration uses EU-Code C04.

• Goods must originate from the estate of a deceased person; transfers during lifetime as “expected legacy” do not qualify.
• Evidence can include certificate of inheritance, will, auction records, correspondence.
• Relief granted if entered for free circulation within 2 years from entitlement (typically 2 years after final settlement); period may be extended by customs in special circumstances.
• Beneficiary can dispose of goods immediately after release (no specific purpose limitation).
• Customs-exempt inherited goods are exempt from import VAT in Germany, but excise duties may still apply.
• Excluded from duty-free entry: alcohol products, tobacco, commercial vehicles, commercial-use items (with limited exception), raw materials, finished/semi-finished stocks, livestock (except household pets/saddle animals), and excessive agricultural products.

• Copy of ownership document.
• Copy of last registration in a foreign country for a minimum of 6 months prior to shipping.

• Duty-free entry if the importer has used the vehicle for at least 6 months before import.
• After customs clearance, a technical inspection by the vehicle registration office is required, then a title is issued.
• Vehicles from third countries released into free circulation are subject to German Motor Vehicle Tax (KRAFTFAHRZEUGSTEUER). Travel-to-registration exemption is not provided; tax may be payable immediately at border customs if applicable.

• Each pet must be identifiable by microchip or readable tattoo (microchip mandatory for pets marked after 3 July 2011).
• Pet must be properly vaccinated against rabies.
• Veterinary certificate must include chip/tattoo number; carry vaccination certificates and, in some cases, blood-test details.
• For non-EU countries with rabies or unknown status: rabies antibody (blood) test is required (timing rules apply).

• Documents and identity of each dog/cat/ferret entering from a non-EU state must always be inspected by competent authorities.
• No more than five animals may be brought in.
• Germany restricts import of certain fighting dog breeds (including pit-bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, bull terriers and certain hybrids). Additional “dangerous dog” rules may apply by Bundesland; contact the local Ordnungsamt in advance.

• Medicinal products and narcotics
• Cash
• Fireworks
• Instruments for torture
• Dangerous dogs
• Publications/media likely to harm minors and unconstitutional publications
• Cultural assets
• Food and feedstuffs
• Counterfeiting and piracy
• Rough diamonds
• Textiles
• Animals and plants; products containing animal/vegetable substances
• Weapons and ammunition

For the most current rules and item-by-item restrictions, always check the official German Customs restrictions portal.

• The EU applies the ISPM-15 standard for solid wood packaging and dunnage.
• All arriving solid wood packaging must carry the ISPM-15 mark indicating approved treatment (heat treatment or fumigation).
• Missing ISPM-15 mark may result in examination and/or mandatory treatment.

• Raw wood of 6 mm thickness or less.
• Processed wood produced by glue, heat, and pressure.

• Confirm you have proof of 12+ months residence outside the EU (or proof you planned it).
• Confirm items are owned/used for 6+ months (keep invoices/contracts if available).
• Ensure import timeline fits: shipment imported within 12 months after establishing permanent residence in Germany.
• Prepare Form 0350, passport copy, inventory, and German registration (Anmeldebestätigung) if available.
• Prepare rent contract and/or employment contract if applicable.
• Add a signed letter listing excluded controlled goods (firearms, alcohol, tobacco/cigarettes, tea, coffee) if those items are not shipped.
• List any single item > €5,000 with its individual value.

• Separate dutiable categories (alcohol/tobacco/firearms/commercial items) and confirm rules before shipping.
• For vehicles: prepare ownership + proof of 6-month foreign registration and expect post-clearance inspection/registration steps.
• For pets: microchip/rabies compliance, be prepared for document checks at entry; max 5 animals.
• Check “dangerous dog” rules for the specific Bundesland; contact local Ordnungsamt.
• For wooden crates/pallets: ensure ISPM-15 compliance and visible marking.
• If shipping anything potentially restricted, verify with Zoll official restrictions pages.