Declaration of cash

Please note that all travelers entering or leaving the European Union with 10,000 EUR or more in cash must declare the sum to Customs since 15 June 2007. This initiative has been taken to assist the efforts being made at EU level to tackle crime and improve security by cracking down on money laundering, terrorism and criminality.

Travelling with pets

Do you plan to travel with your pet(s) from the Philippines to Germany and need specific information about regulations and procedures? Click on the following links to find all relevant information:

• Homepage of the European Commission regarding the movement of pets
• Homepage of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity regarding rules of entering the European Union with animals
• Homepage of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity regarding third countries

Food products of animal origin

Can I bring food products of animal origin into Germany? Products of animal origin may carry pathogens that cause infectious diseases in animals. There are strict procedures and veterinary controls on the introduction of products of animal origin into the European Union.

All personal consignments of meat, meat products, milk and milk products are prohibited to enter the EU. Exceptions are infant food or special foods required for medical reasons.

For more information please contact the German Customs Information Desk (see below).

Can I bring pharmaceuticals to Germany?

The legal maximum limit for pharmaceutical products is the quantity required to meet the traveler's personal needs during the trip.

Travelers are advised to carry a doctor's prescription or statement concerning the medication in question.
Due to strict and varying regulations regarding pharmaceuticals (some vitamins are considered drugs, for example), we advise travelers not to mail medications into Germany.

Most pharmaceuticals are available in international pharmacies in Germany with a doctor's prescription.
Please also read the information provided on the website of the German Customs :
Information of the German Customs on import of medicine

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

Alongside the destruction of habitats, the economic exploitation of animals and plants is one of the greatest dangers facing the animal and plant worlds. As a result of international trade, many species of plants and animals have depleted populations or are even threatened with extinction.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, in short the Washington Convention, is a legally binding international agreement dating from 1973 to protect endangered species of animals and plants. It is also known internationally as CITES - Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. The Convention which has a Secretariat in Geneva currently has 175 member countries. Germany acceded in 1976.

At the Conferences of the Parties to the Convention held every two to three years, the list of endangered animal and plant species in the Appendices to the Convention are updated and measures adopted to improve the protection of endangered species.

Website of CITES

Mailing packages to Germany

Packages to Germany may be mailed free of duty if their value does not exceed 45 EUR.

Alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and perfumes are excluded from this provision. For these items, certain limits on quantity apply.

In these cases, the package will be delivered to the addressee by Postal Service.

If the quantity or value of goods exceeds custom exemption limits, the goods become dutiable goods and customs clearance is required. The Post Office is entitled to carry out customs clearance itself, provided that the package is accompanied by a customs declaration and the bill of mailed goods.

The package will not be delivered to the addressee!

The addressee will receive a note from the Postal Service on how and where he can pick up the package. When he collects the package, the addressee must pay the customs duties (ad valorem - amount depends on the items) plus an Import Turnover Tax (19% of the value of the items) and, for some goods, certain excise duties.

Please note that any problems or complaints can only be addressed directly by the competent Post Office or competent Customs Office in Germany. In the event of a problem, we suggest that the addressee contact these offices directly.

German VAT refund

In Germany, the amount paid for merchandise includes 19 % value added tax (VAT). The VAT can be refunded if the merchandise is purchased and exported by a customer whose residence is outside the European Union. Please note that in order to qualify for the tax refund, the merchandise has to be exported within three months of purchase. The VAT refund is voluntary and can be refused.

Before you purchase any goods in Germany you should inform the retailer that you intend to export the goods to a country outside of the European Union. With your receipt, you will receive a so-called “Ausfuhrbescheinigung” (export papers) or a Tax Free Shopping Check.

Please note that export papers can only be issued for goods purchased in Germany and not for goods purchased in other EU countries.

When leaving the European Union – through Germany only on a non-stop flight to a country outside the EU – the following documents have to presented to the Customs Service at the airpot:

• the purchased goods (unused/unworn in its original packaging and with price tag)
• your passport showing residence outside the EU
• the original receipt of the store
• the export papers or the Tax Free Shopping Check
• the used tickets as proof of stay in Germany

The export papers will be stamped after the goods have been examined. As you do have to show the goods, please make sure that they are in your carry on luggage (your suitcases will already have been checked in!).

After having returned to the Philippines, the stamped invoice should be sent back to the store in Germany where the merchandise was purchased. For the Tax Free Shopping Check you may be able to obtain a cash refund if they have an office at the airport. Otherwise the check should be sent to the address on the back of the Tax Free Shopping Check where you will find detailed instructions for the refund.

Certification by German diplomatic or consular mission (exception)

In very rare exceptional cases, you might get the export papers certified by a German diplomatic or consular mission. A plausible explanation has to be given in writing why it was not possible to receive the export stamp at the port of departure from Germany.

The same procedure as at the customs service applies:

• original receipt
• export papers or Tax Free Shopping Check
• purchased goods (unused/unworn in its original packaging and with price tag)
• and your passport together with proof of residency

have to be presented to a consular officer for inspection.

There is a fee of 34.07 Euro for the seal on each individual export paper.

Please note that the certification can only be issued for goods purchased in Germany (for goods purchased in other EU member states please consult the respective Embassy/ Consulate).

If you believe that such an exceptional case applies to you, please fill out the application form for the German VAT refund and send it as a PDF file to the Embassy by e-mail.

German Customs Information Desk

Because of the complexity of custom matters, the German Embassy cannot provide any binding information on German Customs regulations or duties.

For specific inquiries please directly contact the German Customs Information Desk