Tobacco and alcohol customs allowances in Germany (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: From other EU states, German customs gives reference quantities of 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits, 60 litres of sparkling wine and 110 litres of beer. From outside the EU, travellers aged 17 or over may bring 200 cigarettes, 1 litre of spirits over 22% vol., 4 litres of still wine and 16 litres of beer duty-free.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Cigarettes from an EU state: allowance or guide level (pieces)Personal allowance for travellers | 800 pieces [1] |
| Spirits from an EU state: allowance or guide level (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 10 litres [1] |
| Wine from an EU state: allowance or guide level (litres)Personal allowance for travellers; Sparkling wine | 60 litres [1] |
| Beer from an EU state: allowance or guide level (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 110 litres [1] |
| Cigarettes from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (pieces)Personal allowance for travellers | 200 pieces [2] |
| Spirits over 22% vol. from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 1 litres [2] |
| Still wine from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 4 litres [2] |
| Beer from outside the EU: duty-free allowance (litres)Personal allowance for travellers | 16 litres [2] |
Notes
- These are reference quantities (Richtmengen) for goods taxed or tax-free bought in another EU state and carried by the traveller. Above them, commercial use is presumed unless personal use is made credible.
- No reference quantity exists for still wine from other EU states under excise rules; the 60 litres applies to sparkling wine. Wine-law rules are unaffected.
- For travellers aged 17 or over. The allowance can be split across tobacco types. Heated tobacco counts as loose tobacco; sticks suitable for immediate smoking count as cigarettes.
- For travellers aged 17 or over. Spirits over 22% vol.: 1 litre, or 2 litres of drinks up to 22% vol., or a proportional mix. Still wine and beer come on top.
Sources
- Zoll (German customs): Genussmittel (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Zoll (German customs): Reisefreimengen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.