Counterfeits, meds, food are unwelcome imports at Germany APOs

  • Published
  • By Customs Executive Agency
Heidelberg, Germany --  Many U.S. personnel stationed in Germany receive products by mail- order from the USA or other countries. Your friends and relatives in other countries can also send you things. However, some items may not be mailed to your APO address according to German law. U.S. and German customs conduct random checks of APO mail for unauthorized items. Recent seizures in the Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Stuttgart areas show that some people are violating these laws.

"Using the APO to import any item for resale, a business or volunteer organization is banned," said Bill Johnson, Director of the USAREUR Customs Executive Agency. He explained that if you want to import items for these purposes, you are required to have them delivered to your German home address and must pay any import duty and tax due. If you don't, you are violating the law and U.S. military regulations by evading taxes.

Counterfeits of trademarked items are also banned from the mail. "Trademark violations are the illegal use of signs, names, logos and business names that brand manufacturers use to distinguish their products," Johnson explained. Many producers of DVDs and CDs or designer goods such as purses, shoes or clothing have registered their trademarks with customs who inspect the mail for fake products.

Johnson added that people should not buy medications, diet pills or nutritional supplements by mail order because the importation of those items through the APO is also forbidden. Even items like vitamins or ginseng in highly measured doses may be subject to restrictions.

Food products are also problematic due to animal and plant health regulations. "Meat or meat products like beef jerky, game or ham are banned from the mail, as are canned meats, soup mixes or pasta containing meat." Caviar from sturgeon is forbidden due to the endangering of all species of sturgeon. There are further restrictions on potatoes, milk products and eggs.

Firearms and ammunition are also restricted items that should only be mailed to Germany if you have the required German permits. Johnson added that some types of paintball guns and air soft rifles that are available stateside are more powerful than German law allows and so people should consult customs before having these kinds of weapons sent to them.

Endangered species products are another area of concern. People buying these products add to the risk of animals and plants becoming extinct and customs can fine you and confiscate the goods. Reptile skins are often used in watchbands, handbags, belts, wallets, and shoes. Most crocodile, lizard, snake, and all sea turtle products are prohibited too. Customs will also stop ivory and whale teeth decorations known as scrimshaw and netsuke as well as many plants such as cacti and orchids.

"You should also remember that coffee, tobacco products and alcoholic beverages are rationed in Germany and may not be mailed via the APO," Johnson stated. He said it is perfectly legal to have things like coffee, liqueurs or cigars sent to your German home address via the German mail system or a commercial parcel service. However, you may have to pay tax and import duty which can sometimes be quite expensive.

Avoid nasty mail box surprises and keep prohibited items out of the APO. Military customs offices can provide more advice on these mail questions and information is also available in English on the German customs website at http://www1.zoll.de/english_version/b0_prohibitions_and_restrictions/index.html.