The following activities are prohibited in the travel industry; exceptions may be granted on a case-by-case basis:

• The sale of
  • poisons and goods containing poisons
  • (Exception: plant protection products, pesticides, and wood preservatives for which a test certificate with a test mark has been issued in accordance with building code regulations)
  • elastic bands, medical waistbands, medical support devices and bandages, orthopedic foot supports, eyeglasses, and lenses
  • (Exception: safety glasses and ready-made reading glasses)
  • Electromedical devices, including electronic hearing aids
  • (Exception: Devices that apply direct heat)
  • Securities, lottery tickets, subscription certificates, and share certificates for securities and lottery tickets
  • (Exception: The sale of lottery tickets as part of authorized lotteries for charitable purposes on public roads, streets, or squares, or in other public places)
  • Publications distributed with the promise of prizes or winnings
• The offering and purchase of
  • precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, and platinum group metals) and alloys containing precious metals in any form, as well as goods with precious metal plating (Exception: silver jewelry with a sales price of up to 40.00 euros and goods with silver plating)
  • Precious stones, gemstones, and synthetic stones, as well as pearls
• Sale of alcoholic beverages
  (Exceptions: beer and wine in tightly sealed containers; alcoholic beverages made from self-produced products of viticulture, agriculture, or fruit and horticulture; the purchase of alcohol for the production of liqueurs and spirits from fruit, plants, and other agricultural raw materials—provided the raw materials are not fermented on-site—and alcoholic beverages served for on-site consumption from a fixed business location within the scope and for the duration of an event)
• the conclusion and brokerage of repurchase agreements (pawnbroking) and the brokerage of loan transactions for a fee on behalf of the borrower

In individual cases, exceptions to these prohibitions may be granted if, under the circumstances of the specific case, there is no reason to fear risks to consumers or the public, and no concerns arise from the applicant’s background or other circumstances. Applications for these exceptions must be submitted to the competent authority.

The exemption is limited to the jurisdiction of the issuing authority.

The exemption may be limited in scope (e.g., to certain types of events), granted for a limited period, and subject to conditions. Conditions may also be added, amended, or supplemented at a later date.

The holder of an exemption permit is required to carry it while conducting business, to present it to the competent authorities or officials upon request, and to suspend operations upon request until the exemption permit is produced.

Anyone wishing to operate a traveling business must always have a permit, known as a “traveling business license.”