Is it allowed or not? What causes problems at customs?

A piece of lava rock from the volcano, a bottle of local spirits, or designer sunglasses from the holiday paradise – souvenirs are an integral part of the holiday experience for many.

What is bought abroad as a nice souvenir can become a problem on the return journey. “Many holidaymakers pay attention to the space in their suitcase when buying souvenirs, but not to customs regulations.

“With just a few minutes of preparation and a look at the duty-free allowances and import bans, unpleasant surprises at the airport or border, additional charges or the confiscation of souvenirs can be avoided,” explains the Bavarian wage tax assistance association.

Within the EU, souvenirs are usually unproblematic.

Shopping is generally relaxed when on holiday in one of the 27 EU member states. Goods intended for personal use or as gifts are usually exempt from customs duties and import VAT.

However, this doesn't mean you can shop without limits. Be careful with goods from duty-free shops. Within the EU, these must be declared to customs and import duties paid.

For alcohol, coffee, and tobacco products, customs officials use so-called guideline quantities. If these are significantly exceeded, it can raise suspicions that the goods are intended for resale.

The authorities will then examine more closely whether there is still a genuine need for the goods. However, there is no cause for concern for tourists who wish to bring back a few bottles of wine or regional specialties.

Outside the EU, the value of the goods is the deciding factor.

Different rules apply upon return for travel to non-EU countries, such as Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, the USA, or Switzerland. Here, it is not only the type and quantity of goods, but also the total value of purchases that determines whether duties are payable.

Those returning to Germany by plane or ship may import goods worth up to €430 per person duty-free. For those entering by car, train, or coach, the duty-free allowance is €300.

For children under 15, a limit of €175 applies, regardless of the mode of transport. However, the limits for multiple people cannot be added together; they apply strictly per person.

One detail is unknown to many travelers: If it is a single item such as an expensive leather jacket or a piece of jewelry whose value exceeds the duty-free allowance, the tax exemption for this item is completely forfeited.

This means that not only the excess amount must be taxed, but the entire amount. A single high-end designer handbag or an expensive smartphone can thus become considerably more expensive than expected.

Luxury goods are only duty-free in limited quantities.

In addition to value limits, further quantity restrictions apply to alcohol and tobacco products. Anyone entering from a non-EU country aged 17 or older is permitted to bring in, among other things, one liter of spirits with more than 22% alcohol by volume or, alternatively, two liters of alcoholic beverages with a lower alcohol content.

In addition, four liters of still wine and 16 liters of beer are permitted. There are also strict quantity limits for cigarettes, cigars, and smoking tobacco.

For example, if more than 200 cigarettes are imported, import duties must be paid. Therefore, even when shopping duty-free, it's worth checking the permitted quantities.

Not every souvenir may be imported.

Special caution is advised when bringing back souvenirs made from protected animals or plants. Jewelry made from coral, products made from ivory, tortoiseshell or reptile leather, as well as some types of shells, may be subject to international species protection laws.

Even if these souvenirs are openly sold at the holiday destination, this does not automatically mean that their import into Germany is permitted.

Plants, tubers, and seeds, as well as certain foods of animal origin, are also subject to strict import regulations. Bringing these items in your luggage can introduce diseases and pests that can harm native plants.

To protect against animal diseases, animal products are subject to veterinary regulations and can be confiscated at the border.

Entry with counterfeit or imitation designer items, brand and product copies is permitted for private use and within the duty-free limits.

As long as the items are privately purchased and worn, customs will not intervene. However, if larger quantities are discovered in luggage, it can be assumed that they are intended for resale. In this case, the items will be confiscated by customs, and criminal prosecution may follow.

Medications should also be considered.

Many holidaymakers buy medications or dietary supplements abroad because they are cheaper or available in higher dosages there.

Generally, medications for personal use may be imported. However, a supply sufficient for no more than three months should be kept as a guideline.

This also applies to high-dose dietary supplements or herbal remedies, which are classified as medicinal products in Germany. It should be noted that some preparations or creams contain ingredients that are subject to species protection regulations.

Exercise caution with antiques and cultural artifacts

Archaeological finds, ancient coins, historical sculptures and other cultural objects are usually subject to strict export and import regulations that require official authorization.

These regulations are intended to prevent the looting of archaeological sites, curb the illegal trade in cultural goods, and protect the cultural heritage of the countries of origin.

When acquiring items of archaeological, historical, religious or cultural significance, one should therefore be particularly vigilant and, if in doubt, it is better to refrain from buying them.

It's better to keep your receipts.

“If you make larger purchases abroad, you should take the receipts with you and not dispose of them prematurely,” advises Tobias Gerauer, CEO of Lohi.

If the value of the goods cannot be proven during a customs inspection, customs officials are entitled to estimate the value. This is not always in the travelers' favor.

It is also helpful to be able to prove ownership of high-value items such as cameras or laptops that were already owned before the trip, if necessary. This prevents them from being mistakenly classified as new purchases.

Being well-informed makes for a more relaxed journey.

To ensure souvenirs remain pleasant memories, avoid bringing back problematic items. This will save you trouble and unnecessary costs.

Customs duties, import sales tax and excise taxes can be saved to the maximum extent if the duty-free allowances for goods carried in travel luggage are known.

The free app "Customs and Travel" is helpful and can also be used offline. Incidentally, different, stricter rules apply to goods sent by mail or freight.

Source / Photos: lohi.de / © pixabay.com