Travelers should adhere to regulations on alcohol and cigarette consumption during their vacations
As vacationers return to Germany from non-EU countries, it's essential to follow legal travel regulations at customs. Here's a breakdown of the key customs rules to keep in mind when bringing back souvenirs and goods.
When it comes to gifts from non-EU countries, such as Egypt, the UK (post-Brexit), and the Canary Islands (a Spanish territory but outside the EU VAT area), you can receive gifts worth up to approximately €60 free of customs duties and VAT if the package is clearly labeled as a gift from one private individual to another, for personal use and sent on a single occasion.
Regarding alcohol and tobacco allowances, quantities must be for personal use and not resale. EU guidelines set minimum quantities you can bring without paying duty, but each EU country may set its own limits. The limits are as follows:
- Cigarettes: 200 (or 250 grams)
- Tobacco: 1 kg
- Spirits: 10 liters
- Fortified wine: 20 liters
- Wine: 90 liters
- Beer: 16 liters (non-sparkling wine: 4 liters, spirits with more than 22% alcohol by volume: 1 liter)
For medicines, while none of the provided sources specify limits, generally medicines for personal use can be brought in reasonable quantities without formal customs procedures. However, it's essential to check local rules for controlled substances.
It's worth noting that although part of Spain, the Canary Islands are outside the EU VAT area and have their own customs regulations. Goods entering the EU from the Canary Islands may be subject to customs checks and duty, but specific limits depend on the applicable rules of the EU country of entry; these are not detailed in the given sources.
When bringing back souvenirs made from animals or plants, customs advises against doing so to protect endangered animal and plant life.
Lastly, it's important to note that packages or goods from outside the EU must be declared if they exceed the allowance limits. Transport companies often handle customs declarations for parcels and check that conditions like gift status and value are met.
Travel within the EU is generally not restricted, with a few exceptions. For precise and country-specific rules (especially for medicines and Canary Islands), always consult the customs authority of your entry country within the EU.
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Bringing souvenirs from non-EU countries, such as Egypt, the UK, and the Canary Islands, one should adhere to customs regulations and ensure they're labeled as gifts for personal use and sent on a single occasion to avoid customs duties and VAT, provided their value doesn't exceed approximately €60. When planning a trip, consider the travel lifestyle that incorporates knowledge of the country's customs regulations regarding alcohol, tobacco, and personal items, like medicines, to prevent any unforeseen issues at customs.
