customs

Articles and tips that matter to you in Germany.

Ramadan Gifts for Relatives Abroad: Using the CN22 Form to Avoid Extra Fees

Form 032021 for customs declaration CN23 – explanation of the fields in Arabic

Shipping religious souvenirs (prayer beads, prayer rugs) in small quantities – are they considered “Geschenksendungen”?

Transporting Charitable Goods (Used Clothing) for an Arab Relief Association: BAFA and Zoll Requirements for Exemption

CITES Permit Requirements for Bringing Camel Hides or Ivory Souvenirs as Family Gifts

What is “Zollfreiheit”? Allowed luggage for travellers when entering Germany

Anti-Money Laundering Regulations When Buying Gold Bars in Dubai and Bringing Them into Germany

EUR.1 certificate of origin: How to reduce customs duties on Turkish goods?

Buying Eid sacrifice animals via a European website and shipping them to Dubai: Do you have to pay German customs (Zoll)?

Shipping traditional clothing (jalabiya, abaya) to Germany: When do customs request a “Nachweis Eigenbesitz” document?

Shipping Arab studio recording equipment to Germany for a concert: Using the Carnet ATA

Shipping Japanese and Korean car spare parts via Dubai to Germany: submitting a “Selbstauskunft” to customs

Shipping olive oil from Tunisia or Palestine to relatives in Germany: applicable charges and proper packaging

Shipping Ajwa dates in commercial quantities to an Arab store in Germany: laboratory testing and Lebensmittelüberwachung approval

Carrying Arabic Dates and Spices in Personal Luggage – Permitted Quantities

Ban on bladed weapons and butterfly knives at the border

Value limits for personal gift consignments (Geschenksendungen) sent by mail from outside the European Union

Duty-free limits for tobacco and alcohol for travelers coming from a non-European country

Duty-free customs allowances when Arab residents return from visiting their home countries (Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon, etc.)

Exporting halal German foods to Arab markets – DPG certificate and customs export declaration form

Export of packaged German sweets to family in Algeria – Algerian regulations for food products

Storing Arab goods in a free customs warehouse (Zolllager) at the Port of Hamburg before distribution to shops

Gifting oriental perfumes (oud, musk) from the UAE – import tax and alcohol certificate

Green or roasted Arabic coffee – maximum weight allowed before Kaffeesteuer is charged

The difference between the “red” and “green” lanes at customs (Zoll)

Travelling with Arab gold and jewellery: When does German customs (Zoll) require declaration and taxes?

New electronic devices: When do you have to pay customs (Zoll) + EU import VAT (EUSt)?

Resending a smartphone repaired in Jordan: “Vorübergehende Einfuhr” (temporary import) and proof of repair

Importing a used car from outside the EU: calculating 10% customs duty + 19% EUSt

Importing natural henna for Arab beauty salons: certificate of freedom from heavy metals

Import of frozen dates for Ramadan sweets – requirements of the cold chain (Kühlkette)

Importing Red Sea shell souvenirs: environmental protection and CITES requirements

Importing books and Qur’ans in non-commercial quantities for a mosque association: when is a shipment considered commercial?

Import of authentic Yemeni honey: required analyses and permissible lead limits

Importing shisha and molasses tobacco: tobacco tax and duty-free tobacco allowance for residents

Importing handmade carpets from Morocco or Syria: origin checks and possible anti-dumping duties

Importing pets: pet passport (EU-Heimtierausweis) and vaccinations

Importing traditional Eid sweets (kahk, maamoul, Levantine pastries) via postal parcels

Importing incense and oud oil for personal use: value and quantity limits

Importing raw incense in commercial quantities for an Arab perfume shop in Berlin

Importing medicines for personal use: a maximum supply of 3 months?

VAT refund for non-resident visitors: Tax Free procedure at the airport

Sending household food supplies (cans and spices) to family back home: common German customs restrictions

Sending “Eid clothing” parcels from Germany to Syria via DHL: customs exemption limits in Germany and Syria

Sending bridal gold sets from Germany to Morocco: Moroccan customs form and German declaration

Bringing meat and dairy products: veterinary certificate (Veterinärbescheinigung) rules for travelers

Bringing halal-slaughtered meat into Germany: veterinary and customs rules and procedures

Bringing a drone to film family events in the Gulf: BMVI registration and customs fees

Bringing professional DJ speakers from Lebanon for a wedding: temporary declaration and avoiding fees

Bringing gold and jewellery: when is it considered an “investment” that must be declared?

Bringing prescription medicines from your home country (antibiotics, chronic medications) for 3 months and a doctor’s letter

Bringing satellite receivers (Sat-Receivers) from the Middle East: CE compliance check

Halal certificate for imported food in an Arab restaurant: customs checks and required documents