How much counterfeit goods can I bring to Germany?

Any quantity prohibited under Markengesetz (Trade Mark Act); even single personal-use items seized at EU border. Source: Zollkriminalamt / Zoll (German Customs — Federal Customs Administration).

What documentation do I need for counterfeit goods in Germany?

No permits available — Zollamt confiscation notice issued.

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Counterfeit Goods 🇩🇪 Germany

Q: Can I bring Counterfeit Goods to Germany?

EU-wide seizure regime applies Germany follows EU Regulation 608/2013 on Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights. German Customs (Zoll) is empowered to seize and destroy counterfeit goods at all ports of entry without recourse for the traveler. Penalty under the German Trademark Act: confiscation of the goods plus a fine of up to EUR 250,000 for repeat offences; criminal prosecution available for commercial-quantity imports under § 143 MarkenG.

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

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EU-wide seizure regime applies

ANSWER

Can I bring Counterfeit Goods into Germany?

PROHIBITEDVERIFIED · 2026-04-25MEDIUM CONFIDENCE

EU-wide seizure regime applies

QUANTITY / LIMITS

Any quantity prohibited under Markengesetz (Trade Mark Act); even single personal-use items seized at EU border

DOCUMENTS

No permits available — Zollamt confiscation notice issued

DECLARATION

Required at the destination customs authority

SOURCE

zoll.de

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Full details

Germany follows EU Regulation 608/2013 on Customs Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights. German Customs (Zoll) is empowered to seize and destroy counterfeit goods at all ports of entry without recourse for the traveler. Penalty under the German Trademark Act: confiscation of the goods plus a fine of up to EUR 250,000 for repeat offences; criminal prosecution available for commercial-quantity imports under § 143 MarkenG.

ENFORCEMENT

Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.

PRACTICAL ADVICE

German customs is particularly thorough. Counterfeit luxury goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals are actively targeted.

OFFICIAL SOURCES · VERIFIED 2026-04-25

zoll.de zoll.de dpma.de

RULE DETAILS

QUANTITY LIMITS

Any quantity prohibited under Markengesetz (Trade Mark Act); even single personal-use items seized at EU border

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED

No permits available — Zollamt confiscation notice issued

LEGAL REFERENCE

EU Regulation 608/2013, Markengesetz

CUSTOMS AUTHORITY

Zollkriminalamt / Zoll (German Customs — Federal Customs Administration)

SHOW AT CUSTOMS

Printable customs card →

AIR TRAVEL IS SEPARATE

This page covers destination customs rules in Germany. Whether you can carry counterfeit goods through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.