Criminal Protection of Morality - Pornography
For the protection of public order / morality - especially for the protection of children and the youth - it is necessary to control the introduction of pornographic literature in passenger and postal traffic into Germany. First of all, this applies to writings containing sexual abuse of children. Therefore, the customs offices (within the framework of their duties) control the compliance with these criminal introduction prohibits.
Art. 184 StGB (Criminal Code) provides restrictive regulations regarding the distribution of pornographic literature. Accordingly, import prohibits for the introduction of pornographic literature in particular apply to
- mail- order business
- and in connection with the distribution or sale to persons under 18.
If pornographic literature deals with violence, sexual abuse of
children or sexual activities of humans with animals, the sentence
shall stiffen according to art. 184 a/184 b StGB.
Concerning pornographic literature dealing with sexual abuse of children, the
very possession is prohibited.
According to art. 11 (3) StGB the term "writings" would also include
- sound and image media
- data memory
- illustrations and
- other presentations.
If in passenger traffic, postal traffic or mail- order business any indication would come up for breaches of the introduction prohibit according to art. 184 StGB, the goods shall be seized and forwarded to the competent prosecuting attorney for the institution of a criminal procedure.
Introduction from Other Member States
For further questions concerning the importation of pornographic literature, please contact:
- the central Customs Information Centre
- or your locally competent customs offices.
The Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien (Federal examination office for harmful publications) may provide you with more information.
