Counterfeit Goods 🇩🇪 Germany
EU-wide seizure regime applies
Can I bring Counterfeit Goods into Germany?
EU-wide seizure regime applies
Any quantity prohibited under Markengesetz (Trade Mark Act); even single personal-use items seized at EU border
- No permits available — Zollamt confiscation notice issued
Required at the destination customs authority
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.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 1000–500000 EUR
- Imprisonment up to 60 months
- Criminal penalty
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Leaving Germany with counterfeit goods
Exporting counterfeit goods from Germany is unlawful under trademark and customs legislation — counterfeits are contraband in both directions, and customs authorities seize them at exit as well as entry. Travellers carrying obviously fake branded goods (even for personal use) risk confiscation universally and fines in many jurisdictions; the EU, US, and others also seize inbound personal counterfeits. Market purchases of imitation goods should be assumed seizable at any border crossed.
German customs is particularly thorough. Counterfeit luxury goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals are actively targeted.
Any quantity prohibited under Markengesetz (Trade Mark Act); even single personal-use items seized at EU border
- No permits available — Zollamt confiscation notice issued
EU Regulation 608/2013, Markengesetz
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.
Counterfeit Goods rules in other countries
Counterfeit Goods
🇺🇸 United States
Seizure and penalties for counterfeit goods
Counterfeit Goods
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Illegal to import counterfeit goods
Counterfeit Goods
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Active IP enforcement at customs
Counterfeit Goods
🇯🇵 Japan
Strict IP enforcement; zero tolerance
Counterfeit Goods
🇨🇦 Canada
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited
Counterfeit Goods
🇦🇺 Australia
Counterfeit Goods import prohibited