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I am traveling from India to Celle, Germany. I am used to Indian cuisine.

Can I carry homeopathic medicines and uncooked rice to Germany?

Is there something specifically I need to carry like spices?

Is it fine if we get woolens from there (probably at the same Indian price)?

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    If I may guide you: Always take a towel with you.
    – Saaru Lindestøkke
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 11:45
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    But seriously: Your question, at least the second part, is too broad. Asking if you can take certain medicaments with you is a nice question. Asking (seperately) if bringing cooked rice with you is also a good question. However, asking for guidance does not really fit the purpose of this site. You should also add where you're travelling from as that might change the answer.
    – Saaru Lindestøkke
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 11:47
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    @AdityaSomani I can find Basmati rice (and a few other premium rices) in my local supermarket and I do like it ;-) I don't know how it compares with Basmati rice in India, though.
    – Relaxed
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 12:47
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    Curious: accessdata.fda.gov/cms_ia/importalert_1.html
    – Karlson
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 13:15
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    Since Homeopatic medicine is technically water or an alcolholic beverage with an unlimited diluted substance, of which there is no detection method, your fine as long as you respect the alcohol import rules. (i.e. 2 liters)
    – user141
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 16:57

2 Answers 2

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Unlike meat products and potatoes, grains like rice can be brought into Germany.

Homeopathic remedies are not considered medicines in Germany, because their efficacy has not been proven. Legally, it's just sugar or alcohol, and unless you bring ridiculous amounts, you will not exceed the free import limit for alcohol.

Finally, there is a limit on the total value of goods which you can bring with you, which is 430 EUR for air travellers.

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    Will the total value of the goods be assessed on what a believer in homeopathy would pay for them, or the German government's official position that it's just water and basically free?
    – Steve Jessop
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 18:37
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    @SteveJessop That value is purchase price or equivalent value. So, the first of your options would be the correct one. Note that goods is just goods, not personal stuff.
    – Captain Giraffe
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 19:18
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    downvoted since it sounds offensive for the original questioner; instead of focusing on the main subject, it criticizes homeopathy and the user's beliefs and treatments in a way not needed and completely unrelated to the main subject.
    – igorsantos07
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 20:00
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    Upvoted for pointing out that Homeopathic remedies are not medicine (and to counter-balance Igoru's knee-jerk downvote).
    – cimmanon
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 20:05
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    Doesn't matter what anyone believes but the German government. They set the rules. So if they decide it's not medicine, then for custom reasons it is not. The notion is called a "legal fiction".
    – MSalters
    Commented Jul 1, 2014 at 22:17
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I personally have carried these these items from India to Sweden through Germany multiple times without any problems whatsoever. You should be fine. As Michael has already pointed out, these are not restricted items. Not that anyone bothers to check.

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  • Thanks..I am travelling from India to celle.Can u plz guide on what to take and what not to take. Can u please give some insights..
    – user17038
    Commented Jul 3, 2014 at 6:15

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