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Customs; declaration of diplomatic or consular property

If you want to import diplomatic or consular goods free of import duties, you must declare them.

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Procedure details

International law provides for certain privileges and immunities for diplomats and staff of missions abroad (consulates). The purpose of these rules is to enable the effective performance of the respective tasks and to preserve the legal self-determination of states.

In this context, goods imported into Germany are, under certain conditions, exempt from customs duties and similar charges as well as checks on personal luggage. Exemptions are possible, among other things, for:

  • Items for the official use of the diplomatic mission or consular post,
  • articles for the personal use of the diplomat, consular officer or consular employee.

In gradations, some exemptions and regulations also apply to

  • members of the administrative and technical staff
  • members of the official household staff,
  • members of the family belonging to the household and
  • private domestic servants.

In order for customs to verify the conditions for duty-free treatment, you must declare the goods at the time of customs clearance.

  • The goods are diplomatic or consular goods within the meaning of customs law.
  • There is reciprocity, i.e. the import duty exemption also applies vice versa between Germany and the respective state.

  • Required Documents
    As a rule, you do not have to submit any additional documents.

You must submit the customs declaration in writing:

  • Download the form for the "Customs declaration for diplomatic or consular goods" (Form 0349 or 0349en) via the website of the Federal Finance Administration.
  • Fill out the form completely and then print it out.
  • It must be stamped with the official stamp.
  • Hand in the printed and completed customs declaration at the customs office.
  • Customs officials will carry out a preliminary check to determine whether the declaration can be accepted.
  • If necessary, further checks will follow, for example an examination of the goods.
  • If the check is successful, the goods are released to you and you receive a copy of the customs declaration.

You can make the customs declaration free of charge.

  • In principle, the goods may not be used for any other purpose.
  • Information on exceptions can be obtained from the competent supervising customs office.

  • usually 30 to 60 minutes

  • Appeal.
    For detailed information on how to lodge an objection, please refer to the tax assessment for your application for import duty exemption as diplomatic and consular goods in the event that a customs debt is incurred.

Status: 31.10.2023
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bundesministerium der Finanzen
Source: Federal Portal