The private import of food and animal feed

The import of food and animal feed for the consignee’s private use or consumption is permitted in principle. This also applies to food sent by one individual to another without payment (gifts). The import of certain foods and animal feeds into Germany can, though, be restricted or even generally prohibited as a result of specific rules, as is the case for:

• Wild mushrooms
  Over twenty years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident many wild mushrooms from certain countries still show radiation values far above the maximum permitted. This is why the import of such wild mushrooms is only permitted after they have been inspected by the competent food control authorities, and after the prescribed export certificate has been shown. However, up to 2 kilogrammes of edible mushrooms for private consumption may be imported without any restrictions.
• Potatoes
  There is a general prohibition of the import of even small quantities of potatoes by travellers because of the danger of spreading potato ring rot.
• Sturgeon caviar
  The import of caviar is prohibited because all species of sturgeon are endangered. There is no duty-free allowance for postal consignments.
• Food supplements
  In Germany, certain food supplements or vitamin preparations may be considered to be medicinal products, particularly when they are described as substances for the treatment of illnesses, and are therefore subject to the Medicinal Products Act. In this context, the medicinal product legislation of the country in which the preparation is offered or sold is irrelevant.
• Food and feed of animal origin
  There are additional restrictions for some of these products, mainly for animal health reasons. Such products include, for example, meat and meat preparations, game, milk and dairy products, and eggs.
  Rules applying to products of animal origin
• Food and feed of non-animal origin
  Due to findings of a possible health risk, the European Commission and national food monitoring authorities have implemented special protective measures for some foods of non-animal origin (e.g., tea, spices, sesame seeds). Import is then generally only permissible with the presentation of specific certificates and after official inspection. Exempted are only small quantities of up to 5 kg of fresh produce or 2 kg of other products that are carried in personal luggage for personal use. However, the aforementioned small quantities do not apply to the import of plants, plant parts (e.g., cut flowers), fruits, or seeds, as phytosanitary regulations must also be observed for these goods (e.g., carrying a phytosanitary certificate). Only five fruits (pineapple, coconut, durian, banana, and date) are exempt from this and may be imported in unlimited quantities.
  More information on the import of plants and plant products in passenger traffic

If the maximum allowances for the above-mentioned products are exceeded, their import will be authorised only with the prescribed certificates in each case. Imports may, moreover, be restricted to certain "authorised" customs offices. Which customs offices are vested with the relevant clearance authority can be seen from the directory of the German Customs Administration.

Customs offices (in German)

More information relating to the import of food can be obtained from the Federal Ministry of Nutrition and Agriculture or from the competent food or animal feed monitoring authority for your place of residence. For questions relating to intended or current clearance procedures, please turn to your locally competent customs office.