Yes, you can ship knives to Germany. Most manual outdoor folding knives and camping knives go through customs without problems, as long as the shipment is declared correctly and the model is not on the banned list. The catch is the October 2024 update to the Weapons Act (Waffengesetz), which made switchblades (automatic-opening knives) generally prohibited for private individuals, on top of the existing bans on butterfly knives, OTF knives and push daggers.
If you are a private buyer ordering from outside the EU, or a wholesale importer bringing containers in, this guide walks you through what is allowed, what gets confiscated, and the paperwork that keeps your parcel moving.
What Germany actually prohibits
The short version: anything that opens automatically is out. Germany has been banning butterfly knives (balisongs), OTF (out-the-front) knives and push daggers for years. In October 2024, the Waffengesetz amendment added switchblades to the list. These are broadly illegal to own for private individuals, and they will be seized at customs.
“Zombie” knives and other products that clearly market violence are also on the banned list. Beyond automatic knives, fixed-blade knives with a blade over 12 cm are restricted for public carry, though private possession at home or on private property is generally legal.
What you can legally import
You are in the clear with most of the outdoor and camping knife catalog:
- Manual folding knives, including one-hand-opening and locking models.
- Kitchen knives and general utility knives.
- Camping and outdoor fixed blades under 12 cm for public carry.
- Locking folders – legal to own; the rules around carrying them in public are stricter, so check the current wording of the Waffengesetz before you put one in your pocket on the way to the bakery.
Customs paperwork that actually matters
Misdeclared parcels are the number one reason knife shipments from Asia get held or returned. Germany inspects a high share of knife parcels, and customs officers are not guessing — they read the description.
- EORI number: any commercial importer needs one for EU customs clearance. Without it, your shipment cannot clear as a commercial consignment.
- HS code: knives fall under HS 8211 (knives with cutting blades). Use the correct subheading and write “folding knife” or “outdoor tool” in the description. Words like “weapon” or “combat” are asking for a closer look.
- Commercial invoice and packing list: include material, quantity, unit value and country of origin. For B2B shipments, add a declaration of origin.
- VAT and duty: import VAT is 19% in Germany; duty rates depend on the exact HS subheading and usually fall between 0% and 12%.
Shipping: which courier, what to expect
Pick a courier that openly accepts bladed items and declare the contents honestly. DHL and FedEx both ship knives to Germany under their standard parcel services; UPS requires an adult signature on delivery.
Three practical tips from the warehouse side:
- Pack the knife so the blade cannot cut through the outer carton. Bubble wrap plus a sheath or tip guard is enough.
- Match the invoice description to the actual product. A folding knife declared as “kitchen utensil” is fine; a folding knife declared as “kitchen utensil” with a tactical-looking product image raises questions.
- Keep the parcel under 2 kg if you can — it routes through a faster, lower-inspection line and usually clears in 3 to 5 working days.
For wholesale importers and distributors
If you are sourcing outdoor knives for the German market, ask your supplier for two things before you commit:
- A written confirmation that each model is legal to import and carry in Germany.
- Accurate product specifications and clean documentation: HS code, blade length in mm, handle material, locking mechanism, country of origin.
A supplier who can answer both without hesitation will save you weeks of back-and-forth when the container shows up at Bremerhaven or Frankfurt.
Quick answers
Can I order a folding knife online from outside Germany? Yes, as long as the model is not a prohibited type (no automatic opening, no butterfly, no OTF) and the parcel is declared correctly.
Are locking knives legal in Germany? Owning one is legal. Carrying a locking knife in public is restricted — check the current Waffengesetz before you carry one outside.
What happens if my parcel is seized? Prohibited items are confiscated at customs. For a single folding knife that was misdeclared, you usually get a written seizure notice; the knife is destroyed and you do not get it back.
Do I need an EORI for a one-off personal order? No. EORI is for commercial imports. Personal orders under the EU personal-use exemption are different, and the courier handles them as a postal consignment.
Need a wholesale quote for the German market?
We supply outdoor folding knives, fixed blades and camping tools to importers and distributors worldwide, with documentation that clears EU customs. Send us your target models and quantities and we will send a quotation with tiered pricing, MOQ and lead time within 24 hours.
This guide reflects what we know from shipping knives to Germany as of 2026. It is not legal advice. For binding information, check the current Waffengesetz and the German Federal Customs (Zoll) website before you ship.
