The Commission has yet to determine if the policy aligns with the rules of the domestic market.
Dortmund Main Customs Office Steps Up Efforts in 2024
The Dortmund Main Customs Office played a significant role in managing the complexities of customs procedures in 2024. Despite limited information about its key achievements, the office's core responsibilities were evident in the numerous enforcement actions and investigations carried out throughout the year.
At the heart of the Dortmund Main Customs Office's duties is the processing and clearing of customs formalities for imported and exported goods. Compliance with EU and national customs regulations was ensured, preventing potential smuggling and fraud. In 2024, the customs offices in the Dortmund district processed over 18 million shipments, a testament to their efficiency.
The office also collected customs duties and taxes on behalf of the government. In 2024, they collected approximately 1.2 billion euros from import turnover tax and over €85 million through enforcement measures. Consumption taxes, including electricity tax, totaled nearly 196 million euros.
Supporting the enforcement of trade sanctions and embargoes was another crucial responsibility. In 2024, the focus of checks was on the construction industry, catering, and the freight, transport, and logistics sectors. A total of 5,414 investigations were initiated, including 3,919 criminal proceedings and 1,495 administrative offense proceedings.
The Dortmund Main Customs Office also facilitated legitimate trade and supply chain efficiency, even in the face of increased complexity due to geopolitical factors. They seized nearly 609,000 pieces of cigarettes, cigars, and cigarillos, around 51 kg of tobacco, over 380 liters of alcoholic beverages, and 26 grams and 13,370 pieces of narcotics. They also seized 587 kilograms of untaxed shisha tobacco, over 100,000 untaxed cigarettes, and over 3,700 liters of untaxed liquid for disposable e-cigarettes.
In addition, the office collaborated with other authorities and logistics partners to monitor cargo movements and ensure security. Seven prohibited weapons were seized, and customs officers at Dortmund Airport discovered undeclared cash amounting to over 1.2 million euros.
The Regional Investigation Center of the Customs Office Dortmund began operations for the regions of Dortmund, Münster, and Bielefeld in September 2024, further enhancing the office's ability to combat illegal activities.
However, one unfortunate incident occurred at Dortmund Airport on August 19, 2024, when a family reported the loss of a child. The child was later found sleeping on a bench in the arrivals hall, unharmed and unaware of the ordeal.
The Financial Control Schwarzarbeit, which operated in Dortmund, Gelsenkirchen, Hagen, and Siegen, conducted 10,355 personnel checks in 2024, resulting in 1,388 criminal proceedings. Two live animals (dogs) were also seized.
The Dortmund Main Customs Office is responsible for five districts and seven independent cities, covering a total of 68 communities with nearly 3.9 million inhabitants. The collected motor vehicle tax amounted to nearly 400 million euros.
Despite the challenges posed by increased cargo volumes, growth in air and ocean freight, and more complex customs clearances, the Dortmund Main Customs Office effectively managed these issues, safeguarding compliance and supporting trade continuity. For more precise details on achievements or projects specific to Dortmund Main Customs Office in 2024, official German Customs or Dortmund city government reports may provide additional information.
- The Dortmund Main Customs Office, responsible for five districts and seven independent cities, was actively involved in finance and business activities, collecting motor vehicle tax and customs duties and taxes from over 18 million shipments in 2024.
- In addition to managing customs procedures, the Dortmund Main Customs Office also played a significant role in the industry sector, focusing enforcement actions on the construction industry, catering, and the freight, transport, and logistics sectors, and seizing various contraband goods such as cigarettes, alcohol, narcotics, and untaxed shisha tobacco, among others.
