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Importing medicines for personal use in Germany: the legal rule of “Dreimonatsbedarf” (three-month supply)
Germany applies very strict rules to the importation of medicines. As a general principle, medicines may only be brought into the country for personal use, and only in quantities that do not exceed a three-month treatment period (“Dreimonatsbedarf”).
Below is a detailed overview of the main points to consider when bringing medication into Germany.
What is permitted?
You may bring medicines into Germany if:
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the medicines are solely intended for your personal use and not for sale or distribution,
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you are able, if necessary, to prove the medical necessity of these medicines,
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the total amount does not exceed a 90-day treatment course (three-month supply),
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the medicines do not contain substances that are prohibited in Germany and are not classified as narcotics under German law (Betäubungsmittel).
Do I need a prescription or medical documents?
Yes – it is strongly recommended that you bring clear medical documentation, in particular:
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a recent medical prescription, preferably in German or English,
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or a medical certificate indicating your diagnosis, the prescribed medicines, recommended dosage and duration of treatment,
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if possible, a list of the medicines and their active ingredients, especially if they could fall under regulated substances.
The clearer your documentation, the easier it is for customs or other authorities to understand why you are carrying these medicines.
What is prohibited?
The following are generally prohibited or strictly restricted unless you hold a special permit:
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Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances
For example, preparations that contain tramadol, codeine, morphine or other narcotic substances. These usually require a special BtM permit (Betäubungsmittel-Erlaubnis) and cannot simply be imported as normal personal medication. -
Medicines classified as stimulants or hormones
Such as certain performance-enhancing drugs, growth hormones, or sex hormones that are strictly regulated (e.g. under doping or prescription laws). -
Unapproved animal-based or traditional preparations
For example, some traditional Chinese preparations or exotic herbal mixtures without clear labelling or authorisation.
How is this checked at the airport or border?
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Upon arrival in Germany, customs officers (Zoll) may ask to inspect the medicines you are carrying, especially if you use the red channel or appear to be carrying unusually large quantities.
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You may be asked to:
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show the medicines in your luggage,
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provide prescriptions and invoices/receipts,
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explain the purpose and duration of use.
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If there is a suspicion of misuse or violation of narcotics or medicines law, the authorities can temporarily seize the medicines until they have been examined.
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If you cannot present a prescription, or if you exceed the permitted quantity, this may result in:
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fines,
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confiscation of the medicines,
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or, in serious cases, administrative or even criminal proceedings.
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Is it allowed to send medicines by post?
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From within the EU:
Under certain conditions, it can be permissible to receive medicines from EU countries, e.g. via licensed mail-order pharmacies, provided domestic rules are respected. -
From outside the EU:
As a rule, importing medicines by post from non-EU countries for personal use is prohibited,
unless you have obtained prior authorisation from the competent authority, such as the
Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM – Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte).
Summary
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Allowed quantity | Up to a three-month treatment (approx. 90 days) |
| Purpose of use | Personal use only – resale and distribution forbidden |
| Required documents | Medical prescription or doctor’s certificate |
| Prohibited medicines | Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, unauthorised stimulants/hormones |
| Postal import from non-EU | Generally prohibited without special prior authorisation |
Final note
German rules on medicines are very strict. To minimise problems, you should:
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always carry medicines in their original packaging, with the package leaflet,
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have an official prescription or doctor’s letter with you,
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avoid unknown herbal mixtures, unlabelled tablets, or “mystery pills” purchased online or abroad.
The writing and editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors or uncertainties may still occur. The content of this article should therefore be regarded as an initial, non-binding guide only. For definitive and legally binding information, always consult the competent authorities.
