The CEA oversees Customs Services by:

• Executing and enforcing tri-service regulation AER 550-175 U.S. Forces Customs Controls in Germany (Also known as CNE-C6F Instruction 5840.1F or USAFE Instruction 51-702).
• Coordinating host nation customs matters affecting U.S. Forces quality of life issues.
• Providing customs related information and services to all U.S. Forces personnel, their authorized family members and organizations stationed in Germany. 
• Providing limited services to military retirees and other defense beneficiaries such as unaccompanied dependents and Veteran Health Identification Card holders.

For more information, visit the Customs Services SharePoint page (CAC required) or email Customs Services. 

CEA – Customs Services further supports EUCOM, USAREUR-AF, and USAFE exercise planners and other event organizers in obtaining limited Individual Logistical Support for visiting members of foreign forces or other dignitaries. 

For information regarding Temporary Authorization Cards, visit the TAC SharePoint page (CAC required) or Email CEA-Customs Services 

CEA – Enforcement maintains oversight of the local military customs investigation offices while enforcing the NATO SOFA with its supplementary agreement and investigating violations of customs and tax privileges granted to U.S. Forces personnel.

The CEA - NATO SOFA Customs Policy Office

• Serves as the link to the Federal Ministry of Finance Customs Department and General Customs Directorate on behalf of the CG USAREUR-AF, Provost Marshal / Customs Executive Agent.
• Is proponent for tri-service customs regulation (Title 10) and U.S. Forces customs documents. 
• Reviews military regulations, contracts and agreements which have a customs/tax impact.
• Provides customs technical guidance and assessments to U.S. Forces military legal offices regarding the Foreign Force Customs Law/ Ordinance.

Email the NATO SOFA Customs Policy Office

Privileged DoD ID card holders assigned to Germany fall under the NATO Status of Forces Agreement. This entitles them and their authorized dependents, residing with them, to tax free status or what is termed “Individual Logistical Support” or ILS. ILS privileges allow active duty military, DoD civilians, approved contractors and their Family members to use the Commissary, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Army Post Office, Value-Added Tax Office, and Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities in Germany.

Vacationing service members or DoD civilians, from outside Europe or North Africa are not allowed to use tax free facilities. They must be on temporary duty orders to Germany to do so.

It is important that privileged DoD ID card holders know the rules and obey them to keep their tax free status. It is unlawful to transfer tax free items or privileges to unauthorized individuals.

Black Marketing is the transfer or sale of US tax-free goods to unauthorized individuals for profit or personal gain.

Unlawful Transfer is the unlawful transfer of tax-free goods to unauthorized persons.

Note: Both black marketing and unlawful transfer are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and Civilian Misconduct AR 27-9.

The Army set up the Army Post Office system to provide regular mail service to service members. Mail service is for personal use only. It is NOT for business use.

Violators of APO policies are subject to Uniform Code of Military Justice action and federal felony convictions.

In accordance with with Army in Europe Regulation 550-175, Section I: General, 6 Host-Nation Provisions, Rules, Policy. Personnel subject to this publication may not import the following items in unaccompanied baggage or household goods, or through the Military Postal Service:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Animals or plants
• Cheese and cheese products
• Cigarettes and other tobacco products
• Coffee and coffee products
• Meat and meat products
• Medication (including vitamins and nutritional supplements)
• Milk and milk products

Note: Nutritional supplements include protein powder and other weightlifting/bodybuilding supplements.

Due to tax reasons, it is prohibited to operate a business out of your government quarters without the appropriate approval from U.S. Army Garrison. It is also prohibited to use tax-free privileges to operate a home-based business.

Several items are rationed for U.S. Army Europe. They Include: tobacco, coffee, liquor and gasoline. Contact your unit for more information on obtaining a ration card.

Monthly rations:

Tobacco: 4 cartons per month

Coffee: 5 lbs ground or 20 oz. instantper month

Liquor: 5 bottles per month(not to exceed 6 liters)

Gasoline: 400 liters per month

Normally, tax free and rationed items may not be given to non DoD ID card holders, but an exception may be made when the item is a legitimate gift.

Occasions for gift giving include birthdays and other traditionalgift-giving occasions. Items from the Commissary are restricted to limited and occasional bona fide gifts to friends or family members, or to limited and reasonable donations to charitable organizations (DoDI 1330.17).

• Military Clothing Sales Store cannot be transferred at any time.
• No more than 25 cigarettes, 10 cigars or 60 grams of pipe tobacco
• No more than 500 g. coffee, or 125 g. instant coffee
• No more than 1.2 liter bottle (1 US quart) of liquor