Fresh Fruit 🇩🇪 Germany
EU phytosanitary rules apply from non-EU
Can I bring Fresh Fruit into Germany?
EU phytosanitary rules apply from non-EU
Full details
Within the EU single market, fresh fruit moves freely. From non-EU countries, phytosanitary regulations apply. Most commercially available fruit is from approved sources but personal quantities from non-EU origins may require inspection. Citrus from some countries faces specific restrictions (citrus canker). Enforcement in Germany carries fines from EUR 250 to EUR 5,000 under Abgabenordnung § 378; Zollverwaltungsgesetz (typical personal cases are handled as civil infringements).
PENALTIES
- Fine: 250–5000 EUR
- Civil penalty only
Leaving Germany with fresh fruit
Personal-use quantities of fresh fruit may generally be exported from Germany for personal consumption; destination-country biosecurity restrictions on arrival are typically the binding constraint. Commercial or above-personal-use fresh-fruit export requires a Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the national plant protection organisation under the IPPC framework. Many destinations (Australia, New Zealand, US, Japan, EU for particular fruits) restrict or prohibit personal-import of fresh fruit regardless of origin-side export permissions. Australia and New Zealand additionally seize fresh fruit that reaches their border with fines.
Within EU: no restrictions. From non-EU: commercially packaged fruit usually fine. Exotic or homegrown fruit may be inspected.
EU: unrestricted. Non-EU: subject to inspection
EU Regulation 2016/2031 (Plant Health)
This page covers destination customs rules in Germany. Whether you can carry fresh fruit through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Fresh Fruit rules in other countries
Fresh Fruit
🇦🇺 Australia
Most fresh fruit is prohibited due to biosecurity risk. Must be declared.
Fresh Fruit
🇺🇸 United States
Most fresh fruit prohibited without permit
Fresh Fruit
🇯🇵 Japan
Strict plant quarantine; most fruit prohibited
Fresh Fruit
🇸🇬 Singapore
Generally permitted with declaration
Fresh Fruit
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Subject to MOCCAE inspection
Fresh Fruit
🇨🇦 Canada
CFIA inspection; most commercial fruit permitted