Importing walking aids (crutches, wheelchairs, walkers) to Germany without customs duties
When medical walking aids can be exempt from customs and VAT

Bringing medical walking aids into Germany – such as crutches, wheelchairs or walkers/rollators – can, under certain conditions, be exempt from customs duties and import VAT. Below is a detailed overview of the main situations in which you may benefit from such exemptions.

1. Temporary import for medical treatment (Temporary Import)

If you are staying in Germany temporarily for medical treatment, you may bring your walking aids into the country under the customs procedure known as “temporary use” (Zollverfahren der vorübergehenden Verwendung).

• The devices must be your personal property and not intended for commercial purposes or resale.

• You should declare them upon entry at customs or clarify the procedure in advance via a German embassy or consulate.

• In most cases, you will be asked to provide medical proof of necessity, such as a letter or report from your doctor or hospital explaining why the device is required.

2. Exemption within the traveller’s personal luggage allowances

Walking aids can also be imported as part of your personal luggage if their total value is within the standard duty-free allowances:

• Air or sea travel: up to 430 EUR

• Land travel: up to 300 EUR

Important note:
These limits apply to the total value of all items you are bringing with you (purchases, personal goods and medical devices together). If the total value exceeds the threshold, customs duties and taxes may be levied on the amount exceeding the allowance.

3. Special exemption for patients coming to Germany for medical treatment

If your walking aids are explicitly included in a treatment plan issued by a German hospital or clinic, this can significantly support your exemption request:

• Ask the hospital to provide an official letter confirming that the device is medically necessary during your treatment in Germany.

• Attach an invoice or ownership proof, showing that the device is not intended for sale in Germany.

These documents increase the chances that customs authorities will grant a duty exemption, even if the value of the device is higher than the normal traveller allowances.

4. Documents you should carry when entering Germany

To facilitate duty-free or reduced-duty import of your device, you should ideally bring:

• A medical prescription or doctor’s report describing the need for the device.

• The purchase invoice or any proof of ownership.

• An official letter from the German hospital, particularly if you are travelling with a medical treatment visa or hospital admission letter.

5. Practical steps upon arrival in Germany

• Use the green channel (“Nothing to declare”) if you are certain that the total value of your goods is within the allowed limit.

• If you are unsure, or if the value exceeds the allowance, go through the red channel and proactively declare your walking aids to customs.

• Present your medical documents and invoices and explicitly ask for a temporary or permanent customs exemption, depending on how long you will stay in Germany.

• Keep the customs declaration or exemption document carefully, as it will help when taking the device out of Germany again.

Practical tips

• Request a detailed medical letter from your German hospital or attending physician before travelling.

• Check the combined value of all items in your luggage to avoid unintentionally exceeding the duty-free limits.

• Store all original documents and invoices together in an easily accessible folder in case customs officers ask for them.

Summary

Importing walking aids into Germany can be duty-free if:

• they are used personally and exclusively for medical purposes,

• you can show clear medical documentation and proof of ownership, and

• the value is within the traveller allowance or a formal exemption is granted by customs.

Good preparation and complete documentation will greatly increase your chances of bringing your medical walking aids into Germany without additional customs charges.

The editorial and author team of this website aims to provide accurate and reliable information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or regulations may change over time. Please treat the information in this article as an initial reference only and always consult the relevant authorities (such as customs offices, embassies and health insurers) for binding and up-to-date advice.