Declare goods to customs when transporting for NATO or partner forces

If you are transporting goods for NATO or partner forces, these can be imported into Germany duty-free under certain conditions. However, the goods must be declared to customs.

Goods for certain foreign armed forces can be imported into Germany without customs duties according to the regulations of the troop customs law. The goods must be intended

• for the armed forces of other NATO countries
• NATO headquarters in Germany or
• for the armed forces of countries participating in the NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme.

The goods may be transported by the foreign armed forces themselves or by private service providers. When the goods are handed over to the foreign armed forces, they must be declared for use by the troops at the customs office.

Even after transport, the goods remain under customs supervision throughout their use by the armed forces. If they are to be used for other purposes, e.g. passed on to non-beneficiary persons or companies, further customs regulations must be observed.

You do not need to submit any additional documentation.

Form: Form 302

Online procedure possible: no

Written form required: yes

Personal appearance required: no

• The goods are for the said armed forces within the meaning of customs law, and
• you are transporting the goods on behalf of the armed forces, and
• the consignment contains only goods intended for the armed forces.

Service regulation for the troop customs law of the Federal Ministry of Finance (Z 6301), paragraph 22

You must submit the customs declaration in writing:

• To declare, use form 302. You must submit at least 2 copies to the customs office.
• A competent transport or customs officer will complete the top half of the front of the form in full, including the description of the goods. This must confirm that the consignment is being transported on behalf of the Armed Forces and contains only goods intended for them.
• The carrier will sign the undertaking at the top of the reverse side of the form.
• You must present the form to the customs office at the time of import, export or transit.
• The customs office will note the clearance of the goods on the back and set a deadline for you to present the Armed Forces Acknowledgement of Receipt of the goods.
• A copy will be returned to you.
• After the armed forces have acknowledged receipt of the goods at the bottom of the front of the form, the customs office receives this copy as a return receipt. The procedure is thus completed.

Since German troop customs law does not provide for any special time limits, the time limits of EU customs law apply.

• usually 60 minutes

You can make the customs declaration free of charge.