Documents Required

• Copy of passport
• Copy of visa
• Bill of lading (BL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Packing list in German or English
• Customs declaration / signed letter by owner of the goods
• Customs registration form 0350
• Letter of employment or botschaftsbescheinigung (returning citizens)
• Anmeldebestaetigung (registration)
• Diplomatic entry form 0349 (diplomats)
• Certificate from the diplomatic organization in Germany (diplomats)

Specific Information

• Effective processing of the Customs declaration can only commence once the goods are in the European Union and have been presented at the Customs office.
• Products imported into the European Customs Union are subject to duties only when and where the product first enters the European Union (e.g., Germany).
• The Customs declaration should be provided by the local agent in Germany. 
• A letter signed by the owner of the goods certifying that the following taxable high value goods have not been included in the shipment:
• Firearms
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Cigarettes
• Tea
• Coffee
• Customs registration form 0350 stating goods will not be sold for 12 months.
• Letter of employment must state the term of employment will be for a minimum of 12 months and that the owner of the goods lived abroad for at least 12 months (must be issued by the employer of the client)
• Anmeldebestaetigung can be obtained from the appropriate German town hall confirming registration of new residency in Germany (not older than 3 months).
• Effective 1st November, 2015, the owner of the goods is required to obtain a confirmation letter, called "Wohngeberbescheinigung" from their future landlord in order to get a registration, "Anmeldebestaetigung".
• The confirmation letter, "Wohngeberbescheinigung" must confirm that the owner of the goods will live at the address mentioned. 
• Shipment must arrive in Germany within 12 months after registration in Germany. 
• Botschaftsbescheinigung from the German Embassy or Consulate at origin. 
• This document serves to confirm the period of time abroad (returning citizens). 
• Proof of registration may not be older than 3 months. 
• All goods for duty-free importation, such as household goods and personal effects must have been in the owner of the goods' possession for at least 6 months in the origin country. 
• Duty-free entry for foreign diplomats is permitted if a bilateral agreement exists with the origin country. 

Restricted/Dutiable Items

• Weapons (applicable license is required)
• Live plants (special import license is required)
• Tobacco and cigarettes (subject to duties and taxes)
• Alcohol does not qualify as household effets and is always subject to duties and taxes. The shipper is required to sign a customs declaration to confirm that the shipment does not contain alcoholic beverages.
• Customs clearance of alcohol is an additional customs clearance and not included in standard destination rates
• Alcohol is subject to duties as per a EU customs code which is complicated. Alcohol is also subject to taxes based on
• duties as per tariff
• taxes of 19% based on duties plus proportionate costs of transport (door-to-door)

Prohibited Items

• Drugs and narcotics
• Explosives
• Ammunition
• Dried plants
• Pornographic materials
• Certain types of meat
• Radioactive materials
• Any protected animal or species (ivory, snakeskin, leopard fur, etc.)
• Items of historical significance (pre-Columbian items, etc.)

Cultural and Other Information

Wikipedia Entry for Germany