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Personal Effects Customs Clearance Germany
Documents Required
All customers will be required to provide the three documents below, plus the additional documents in the section that is relevant to your reason for importing.
- Passport
The consignee will need to provide a colour copy of their passport details page
- Flight Ticket
The consignee’s flight ticket/boarding pass dated within six months of the shipment's arrival into Germany.
- Personal Effects Statement
The consignee will also need to provide a short statement with a hand written signature confirming all goods are their own used personal effects and upload an image of this to their order to assist with customs clearance.
and
Temporary visitors to Germany (less than 12 months)
- Outbound Flight Ticket
Temporary visitors also need to provide their flight ticket showing their departure from Germany again to be eligible for duty-free clearance.
Returning residents of Germany who were abroad for less than one year.
- Outbound Flight Ticket
Returning residents will need to provide a copy of their original outbound flight ticket showing travel from Germany to the country they were visiting.
- Country of Origin
You will need to confirm whether your goods where purchased outside of the EU. Goods for returning German Residents who have been abroad for less than one year, that are declared as originating outside of the EU may be treated as new items by customs, resulting in delays for inspection and further information being required, as well as possible duty, taxes and processing fees.
German and non-German citizens who are moving or relocating to Germany having been living for 12 months or longer in the country they are shipping from.
- Proof of registration
A copy of the consignee’s Registration in Germany (Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebestätigung) is required which must be dated within 12 months of the shipment's arrival in Germany.
Should the consignee not yet have their Registration Certificate, they will either need to either have their shipment cleared with duties applied at customs own assessed rate, pay storage charges to our courier partner until the registration is provided, or pay a customs security deposit which will then be refunded once the Registration Certificate is obtained and provided.
- Evidence of length of residence in Germany
Evidence of their length of residence in Germany e.g. job contract, letter from university etc.
- Evidence of living abroad
Evidence of living abroad for the past 12 consecutive months prior to relocating to Germany, such as proof of employment or study.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 7 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Shipping Gifts to Germany
German Customs advise that for gifts to enter the country without duties or taxes, the value will need to be €45 or less. Should the shipment exceed the €45 limit, duties and taxes will be applied to the entire shipment.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Germany
Documents Required
All customers will be required to provide the three documents below, plus the additional documents in the section that is relevant to your reason for importing.
- Passport
The consignee will need to provide a colour copy of their passport details page
- Flight Ticket
The consignee’s flight ticket/boarding pass dated within six months of the shipment's arrival into Germany.
- Personal Effects Statement
The consignee will also need to provide a short statement with a hand written signature confirming all goods are their own used personal effects and upload an image of this to their order to assist with customs clearance.
and
Temporary visitors to Germany (less than 12 months)
- Outbound Flight Ticket
Temporary visitors also need to provide their flight ticket showing their departure from Germany again to be eligible for duty-free clearance.
Returning residents of Germany who were abroad for less than one year.
- Outbound Flight Ticket
Returning residents will need to provide a copy of their original outbound flight ticket showing travel from Germany to the country they were visiting.
- Country of Origin
You will need to confirm whether your goods where purchased outside of the EU. Goods for returning German Residents who have been abroad for less than one year, that are declared as originating outside of the EU may be treated as new items by customs, resulting in delays for inspection and further information being required, as well as possible duty, taxes and processing fees.
German and non-German citizens who are moving or relocating to Germany having been living for 12 months or longer in the country they are shipping from.
- Proof of registration
A copy of the consignee’s Registration in Germany (Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebestätigung) is required which must be dated within 12 months of the shipment's arrival in Germany.
Should the consignee not yet have their Registration Certificate, they will either need to either have their shipment cleared with duties applied at customs own assessed rate, pay storage charges to our courier partner until the registration is provided, or pay a customs security deposit which will then be refunded once the Registration Certificate is obtained and provided.
- Evidence of length of residence in Germany
Evidence of their length of residence in Germany e.g. job contract, letter from university etc.
- Evidence of living abroad
Evidence of living abroad for the past 12 consecutive months prior to relocating to Germany, such as proof of employment or study.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
Most shipments on this route will not be stopped by customs, however, when a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 7 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Shipping Gifts to Germany
German Customs advise that for gifts to enter the country without duties or taxes, the value will need to be €45 or less. Should the shipment exceed the €45 limit, duties and taxes will be applied to the entire shipment.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Germany
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Germany
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Germany
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Germany
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Germany?
Germany is an exciting place to visit, with so much to see or do. You may find you need to take excess luggage if you want to enjoy some of the many outdoor activities, or if you’re looking to pick up some great souvenirs or just enjoy some shopping. This is where Send My Bag can step in and help you out. We can pick up and drop off your excess luggage, from your home to your hotel, so you don’t have to deal with all the stress of dragging several bags behind you.
With many budget airlines you find that baggage allowances are severely restricted or that they charge high fees for extra luggage. Send My Bag is a great affordable option that will allow you to take your extra items. You simply pack your heavy extras, for your holiday, business trip or relocation and we will deliver them to your hotel, new home or office for you. If you have larger oversized items, such as skis or golfing gear, we can also take care of these items safely and securely for you.
Germany is a popular destination for international students deciding to study abroad, or for those completing a term of study under the Erasmus scheme. Students can use Send My Bag to ship their possessions to Germany, thus allowing them to quickly set up home abroad. It also means they can bring with them many more items than they could take on a plane, and they can ship it all back home again when term ends.
Send Luggage to Germany
You can use the services of Send My Bag to send your luggage and boxes to Germany. If you are taking a short break in Germany or if you are working there for a year, or longer, you can save yourself a lot of upheaval by sending your possessions with Send My Bag. This way, you can bring with you many more of your home comforts and keepsakes than you could if you brought them with you on a flight. You can also rest assured in the knowledge that your possessions are being looked after for you, allowing you to get on with exploring your new surroundings. To learn more about sending luggage to Germany, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Germany
If you are attracted by Germany’s job opportunities and are moving there permanently, you will have to consider international removals to Germany in order to transport all of your possessions. Before you give anything to the movers, however, make sure that all your items are carefully packaged so that they won’t get damaged in transit. Use suitable packaging for your possessions and seal everything up well.
Student Shipping to Germany
If moving to Germany to study, or for a third year abroad, you will need to bring lots of your possessions with you to help set up home in your student accommodation. You will need books for your course, or teaching materials if you are spending the year as a language assistant. And, you will need all the other everyday essentials, like DVDs and clothes. Top German universities you might decide to study at include the Technische Universität München, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. To find out more about student shipping to Germany visit our student shipping page and get your 10% student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Germany
Sending a parcel to Germany is a great option if you have left something behind at home. You can just ask a friend to pop it in a box and send it on to you. Or your friends and family might want to send you a care package to Germany to help remind you of home, or even Christmas and birthday presents. This is a great idea for expats who have gone to settle in Germany or for students who are feeling a bit homesick. Send My Bag can send parcels internationally to Germany for you. Make sure you choose a sturdy box when sending a parcel to Germany and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Take a look at our information on how to send a parcel to find out what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items. And don’t forget to research Germany’s rules on shipping brand new items.
Ways of Shipping to Germany
If you are just visiting Germany, or if you are relocating there, and you need to move numerous items, you should look into the various options available for shipping to Germany. Some options will be better suited to your circumstances than others. You can take your pick of several different options for international shipping to Germany.
Send Golf Clubs to Germany
Golf is becoming more and more popular in Germany. The country has over 700 golf courses, of which Hamburger Falkenstein, Bundersand Sylt and Winston are among the best. It is easy to send golf clubs to Germany with Send My Bag. Without dragging large golf bags behind you, you will find it much easier to travel to your final destination in Germany. You will also avoid fees for oversized baggage from your airline. So why not consider sending your golf clubs to Germany with Send My Bag. Make sure you find out how best to parcel up your golf clubs by reading Send My Bag's information on how to send golf clubs.
About Germany
Germany is a wonderful destination if you’re looking for a cosmopolitan city break, if you want a historical holiday or if you want an activity break. It’s also a great place if you’re looking to work abroad, due to its numerous job opportunities. Cultural cities, awe inspiring scenery, magical castles and vast and varied history makes up this European country. Cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Leipzig are full of history and offer a wonderful insight into the culture of the country.
If you like to get out and about in the fresh countryside air, then Germany won’t disappoint, with its breath-taking scenery and its Disney-esque castles. There is plenty to see and do, including great walks and hikes, outdoor sports such as mountain climbing and skiing in the winter months. Like much of Europe, the weather in Germany fits the seasons, with cold winters and warm summers.
Many people in the country speak English as it’s a business hub but the main language is German. It’s a great multicultural melting pot of the European Economic zone and, as Germany is part of the EU, its currency is the Euro.
Don’t miss out on the famed Oktoberfest which is held across the country (and the world) every September. Another must see in the winter months is the Christmas markets, full of magical charm, which pop up across the country.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Germany.
Send your Bike to Germany
You can send your bicycle to Germany and enjoy cycling through Germany's countryside or in one of its fascinating cities. Sending your bike to Germany is much easier than checking it into the hold of your plane. You will avoid oversized baggage fees and won't have to transport the bike to and from the airport. Your bike will need to be taken apart and properly packaged before being sent to Germany. To learn more about packaging your bike, see our information page on bike shipping.
Send Skis to Germany
You can go skiing in Germany in a number of regions, including Upper Bavaria and the Zugspitz Region. You can avoid oversized baggage fees and the hassle of dragging your skis on public transport by shipping yours skis with Send My Bag. Find out more about ski shipping on our information page and learn about how to safely package your skis.
Air Freight to Germany
You could send big bulky items, such as a sofa or armchair, to Germany using air freight. Sending items by air freight usually takes one to two days, but can be quite expensive. How much you pay depends on the weight and size of your shipment. You will probably also have to use the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you. And, you need to get your items to and from the airport. Costs could, therefore, quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to Germany your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Berlin Airport, Hamburg Airport or Munich Airport.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Germany
Instead of air freight, you could choose sea freight or container shipping to transport your possessions to Germany. This is a good option if you don’t need your items immediately. Again, this option is usually used when shipping large bulky items, such as a snooker table or a car. Sea freight usually means shipping items in large containers loaded onto cargo ships. It can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to use the services of a customs agent and will need to sort out how to get your items to and from the ports. So, the cost could be more than expected. When using container shipping to Germany your items will most likely arrive by ship at one of the major sea ports in the north, such as Hamburg, Bremen or Bremerhaven.
Shipping Goods to Germany
When shipping goods to Germany you need to be aware of the current customs rules. You should know about any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to Germany, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.