Customs Regulations in Germany

• Copy of Passport (the page showing photo) and copy of Visa and/or Work Permit (for foreign citizens only)
• Inventory (original) in German or English, valued, dated and signed by the Customer
• Signed declaration, stating the imported goods are the owners personal effects
• Signed declaration, stating the imported goods are not subject to any customs restrictions (e.g. drugs, weapons, etc.)
• Statement of Transfer from employer (in German if possible) should state the shipper was an employee for the company abroad, how long he/she has lived in this certain country, and will remain an employee of the company in Germany
• Foreign citizens must obtain a Work Permit (Arberterlaubnis) issued by the local employment office
• Residence Visa (not needed for German nationals) or Residence Permit (granted only after a Work Permit has been issued)
• Certificate of registration with the German police ("Polizeiliche Anmeldung")
• Customer's declaration that no taxable high value goods (such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, guns, etc.) are in shipment. Such goods must be listed separately and will be taxed.
• Certificate of Registration (Anmeldebestaetigung) from the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt)
• German nationals need a declaration from German Embassy or Consulate confirming their length of stay abroad and exact destination address in Germany. Without this document, shipment will not clear Customs.
• German Customs Form 0350 (Zollantrag) in triplicate, stating goods will not be sold for one year
• Health Certificate may be required
• Copy of Insurance Certificate
• Customs clearance Power of Attorney Form authorizing Destination Agent to act on behalf of the customer in liaison with Customs
• Foreign diplomats need a Certificate from the Embassy or Consulate
• Power of Attorney

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS

• CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE (IF ALL DOCUMENTS ARE NOT IN ORDER)
• Used household goods are duty-free if Customer has resided at least one year abroad, if the goods were owned by Customer over six months and will not be sold for a minimum of one year
• Goods should be imported within one year of Customer taking up residence; if not, reasons needed for delay - maximum limit three years
• Inheritance Items
  • Death Certificate
  • "Erbschein" or an official document which certifies the customer has inherited the items from the deceased and states the relation ship between them
• Wedding Trousseaux
  • Marriage Certificate
  • If household goods are imported before the marriage, proof must be furnished the marriage will take place within two months

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

• New items (less than six months old) invoice required
• Alcohol
  • Inventory must detail exact number and size of bottles, exact alcoholic strength in percent, and value of each bottle.
• Tobacco, tea, coffee, toilet waters, perfumes, etc.
• Foodstuffs in large quantities (do not recommend shipping with household goods)
• Electronic items such as computers, videos, stereos, etc. (must show serial number and have purchase invoice)
  • Duplicate appliances or electrical equipment may be assessed high duties
• Large amounts of handicrafts

PROHIBITED ITEMS

• Guns require a Certificate of Registration, valid passport of owner, proof of ownership, and a gun license for importation
  • Duty-free if firearm has been owned for at least six months prior to importing
  • Guns must be easily accessible
  • Must apply for a German Ownership Permit
  • List as last items on inventory, indicate model, caliber and serial number
• Explosives
• Ammunition
• Drugs and narcotics
• Live plants (need special Import Permit)
• Any protected animal or species, dried plant or items of historical significance (ivory, snakeskin, leopard fur, pre-Colombian items, etc.)
• Pornographic material
• Certain types of meat
• Absinthe, methyl alcohol and pure alcohol
• Radioactive material
• Wine, grape juice and other various foodstuffs and consumer goods in large quantity

MOTOR VEHICLES

• Admitted duty-free if Customer has lived abroad for over one year, has owned and used the auto for a minimum of six months, if brought in for personal use with household goods and will not be sold for one year
• Cars must be inspected before licensing, comply with German technical and environmental regulations and require modifications
• Documents required:
  • Proof of ownership
  • Car documents
  • German driver's license
  • Owner's passport
  • Owner's police registration in Germany (polizieliche Anmeldebestatigung)
  • Insurance record from country of origin
  • Third-party liability insurance that begins with Customs clearance
  • Declaration of Customer that no high value goods are in car
  • Origin Registration and copy of title
  • Commercial invoice, if new vehicle
  • It is highly recommended that the Customer informs the Destination Agent of all auto details prior to importing.

PETS

• Dogs, cats and canaries permitted with Health Certificate (in German or with a translation) issued by a licensed veterinarian describing the animal and stating that the pet is free from rabies and contagious diseases
• Health Certificate is valid ten days from the date in which it was issued (20 days for pets coming from non-European countries)
• All endangered species and exotic animals are prohibited