Germany Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Germany customs guide provides comprehensive information for families and professionals planning international moving, overseas relocation, or door-to-door shipping services to the Federal Republic of Germany. German customs regulations are rules-based and documents must be prepared with precision. Always verify official requirements directly with German Customs (Zoll) before shipping.

Home To Home Relocations supports clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international relocations to Germany, including export packing, freight arrangements, customs documentation, and final delivery across major German cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf.

1. Moving to Germany – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-free import under Transfer of Residence rules

Germany allows the duty-free import of used personal effects when transferring residence to Germany from a non-European Union country such as Canada. To qualify, the goods must:

Be owned and used for at least 6 months prior to import.
Be intended for continued personal use in Germany.
Arrive within a timeframe that aligns with the shipper’s move and residency registration.
Not be intended for resale, commercial use or gifting.

Important: Germany treats customs compliance seriously. Missing documents or misdeclared items can result in storage costs, fines, or denial of duty-free entry.

1.2 Entry into Germany from EU vs non-EU origins

From EU countries: No customs clearance required, but restricted/prohibited items still apply.
From non-EU countries: Subject to import declaration and customs clearance.

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

The following documents are usually required for customs clearance of personal household goods:

Copy of passport (photo page)
German residence registration (Anmeldung) or lease agreement
Detailed inventory list in German or English
Bill of lading / seaway bill / airway bill
Declaration confirming items are not for resale
Proof of residency outside the EU for at least 12 months

2.2 Inventory requirements

Every carton and item must be clearly marked and match the packing list.
Use descriptive terms (e.g., “kitchen utensils”, “children’s toys”, “office chair”).
Separate and highlight high-value items to prevent inspection delays.

H-H Relocations Tip: Germany’s customs officers appreciate well-structured inventories. Our team prepares Germany-compliant inventories for faster clearance.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles to Germany

3.1 Vehicle eligibility rules

You may import a car, motorcycle or other private motor vehicle as part of your removal goods, but certain requirements apply:

You must have owned and used the vehicle for at least 6 months abroad.
The vehicle must not be disposed of in Germany for 12 months after import.
The vehicle must meet German and European technical standards.

3.2 Vehicle documentation

Original registration documents
Proof of insurance
Bill of sale or ownership record
Customs declaration paperwork
Emission compliance documents where applicable

Important: Imported vehicles may need technical inspection through TÜV before registration and road use.

4. Bringing Pets to Germany

4.1 Requirements for dogs, cats & ferrets

Pets entering Germany must comply with EU animal movement regulations. Requirements include:

ISO compliant microchip
Valid rabies vaccination administered after microchipping
EU Pet Passport or official veterinary health certificate
Proof of tapeworm treatment for dogs depending on origin

Pet Import Tip: Start the process early. Rabies vaccination and waiting periods must be properly aligned.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Other Restricted Items

5.1 Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are restricted and may be subject to customs duty, excise taxes and VAT, depending on origin and quantities. Alcohol included in household goods shipments must be declared separately. Duty-free allowances available to travelers do not apply to sea or air freight shipments.

Provide a detailed inventory listing the type, volume and alcohol percentage.
Failure to declare alcohol may result in fines, seizure and additional inspection.

5.2 Tobacco products

Tobacco items face similar scrutiny. If tobacco is included in a shipment, it must be listed separately, and all duties and taxes must be paid.

5.3 Food, plants & beverages

Germany enforces EU-level rules regarding the import of food, plants and food products of animal origin:

Fresh meat, meat products and milk from non-EU countries are generally prohibited.
Plant materials including seeds, soil and plants may require phytosanitary certificates.
Animal-origin foods have strict veterinary inspection requirements.

5.4 Medicines, weapons & controlled items

Medicines: Permitted only in quantities suitable for personal use. Some medicines require prescriptions.
Firearms and ammunition: Highly restricted. Advance approval and permits are required.
Chemicals and hazardous materials: Must comply with EU transport and import regulations.

Important: Never pack narcotics, prohibited animal products, unlicensed weapons or counterfeit goods. These can result in confiscation, fines, or criminal charges.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Germany

The following must never be included in your international household goods shipment:

Illegal drugs and narcotics
Weapons, ammunition, explosives and fireworks
Counterfeit branded goods or currency
Items made from endangered species (CITES-controlled)
Obscene or banned publications

Breaching German import rules may lead to seizure of goods, administrative fines and legal action.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Germany

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a smooth international move from Toronto to Germany, consider:

Booking a pre-move consultation early.
Confirming residence registration (Anmeldung) requirements before arrival.
Discussing special items such as artwork, vehicles, IT equipment or collections in advance.
Allowing flexibility around peak seasons and German public holidays.

7.2 Why hire a specialist Germany mover

Germany has strict customs controls and detailed regulatory frameworks. Partnering with an experienced international moving company provides:

Compliance-driven packing and documentation support
Clear guidance on prohibited and restricted goods
Coordination of door-to-door services including clearance and delivery
Reliable communication with destination agents throughout Germany

Relocation Tip: Start preparing your documents as early as possible. Germany’s customs officers expect precision and consistency in your paperwork.

8. Useful Official Links – Germany

Always confirm rules directly with German authorities using the links below:

The information in this guide supports international moving preparation and discussions with your relocation specialist. Final authority always rests with German Customs and other competent agencies.