Germany Customs Guide

🇩🇪 Germany Customs Guide

Importing Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Relocating to Germany? Household goods and personal effects can be imported duty-free, but strict documentation requirements must be met. Ensure all necessary paperwork is in place to avoid delays and additional charges.

Documents Required

📌 For all shipments:

  1. Copy of Passport
  2. Copy of Visa
  3. Bill of Lading (BL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
  4. Packing List (in German or English)
  5. Customs Declaration – Signed letter by the owner confirming the shipment’s contents.
  6. Customs Registration Form 0350 – Declaring that goods will not be sold for 12 months.
  7. Anmeldebestätigung (Registration Confirmation) – Issued by the local town hall (not older than 3 months).

📌 For returning citizens:

Letter of Employment or Botschaftsbescheinigung – Issued by the German Embassy/Consulate at origin, confirming time spent abroad.

📌 For diplomats:

  1. Diplomatic Entry Form 0349.
  2. Certificate from the diplomatic organization in Germany.
  3. Important Customs Rules

✅ Customs Processing

Customs clearance begins only after goods have arrived in the European Union and been presented at a customs office.
Duties are applied only at the first point of entry into the EU (e.g., if entering via Germany, duties apply there).
The local agent in Germany will provide the Customs Declaration Form.

✅ Duty-Free Entry Conditions

Household goods must have been in the owner’s possession for at least 6 months in the origin country.
The shipment must arrive in Germany within 12 months of registration.
Duty-free entry for diplomats is permitted only if a bilateral agreement exists between Germany and the origin country.

✅ Taxable Items That Must Be Declared

The owner must sign a letter confirming that the following high-value goods are not included in the shipment:
❌ Firearms
❌ Alcohol
❌ Tobacco & Cigarettes
❌ Tea & Coffee

✅ Residence Registration Requirement

To register in Germany, the owner must obtain a confirmation letter (“Wohngeberbescheinigung”) from their future landlord.
This letter confirms that the owner will reside at the stated address.
Registration must be completed before shipment arrival.

How We Help You with Customs
📑 Paperwork & Permits – We handle all import/export documents for you.
🚛 Customs-Approved Transport – We use compliant shipping methods for a smooth process.
🛃 Restricted & Prohibited Items – We guide you on what’s allowed and what’s not.
💰 Duties & Taxes – Know what fees to expect before your shipment arrives.

We Make Customs Clearance Easy!

Let Eagles Relocation handle the paperwork so you can focus on your move.

Request a Free Consultation | Call Us: +65 9824 9975