Yearly summation: tariffs on clandestine labor activities
Customs action and punishment are routine matters handled by the main customs office, as highlighted in their annual review. This includes taking down sophisticated networks set up to embezzle wages off the books – two individuals are currently serving lengthy jail terms for setting up a network of shell companies for this purpose.
Beyond managing fiscal obligations, the customs office is also active in enforcement, particularly in the Muhlheim region. In the past year alone, customs officers recovered approximately 14 million euros due to unpaid vehicle tax, discovered during checks on highways, trains, and at Düsseldorf Airport.
The customs service plays a pivotal role in seizing vast amounts of contraband too, confiscating 19 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, as well as 75 kilograms of stimulants. These findings underline the importance of their work in keeping illicit substances off the streets.
Despite the detailed annual review, it's worth considering broader customs developments on the European stage. The EU aims to reinforce customs enforcement and streamline processes, transitioning toward online marketplaces taking charge of customs formalities and VAT collection for cross-border sales by 2028 [1]. New classification regulations have also been published for 2025, with the goal of improving accuracy and consistency in customs classification – something that could have a significant impact on enforcement efforts [2].
It's crucial to note that customs offices regularly target non-compliant imports and carry out compliance checks, which could lead to seizures and penalties if violations are discovered [5]. While specific details on recent investigations involving vehicle tax, drugs, or shell company fraud aren't available, it's clear that the customs office takes its role seriously in preventing evasion and enforcing regulations to the fullest extent.
- In the Muhlheim region, the customs office is not only involved in fiscal obligations, but also active in enforcing laws, particularly in the areas of industry and finance, as evidenced by theirRecovery of roughly 14 million euros due to unpaid vehicle tax.
- The customs office, in its role of crime-and-justice enforcement, had a significant impact on general-news last year, confiscating large amounts of contraband, including 19 kilograms of cocaine and heroin, as well as 75 kilograms of stimulants, underscoring its importance in keeping illicit substances off the streets.
