The Commission is undecided about whether the proposed measure aligns with the rules of the internal market.
Dortmund Main Customs Office Contributes Significantly to Revenue Generation and Security in Germany
The Dortmund Main Customs Office plays a crucial role in both revenue generation and security in Germany. In 2024, the office made notable contributions in various areas, ensuring strict compliance with customs regulations, accurate collection of import duties and taxes, and preventing illegal trade activities.
Revenue Protection and Collection
The Dortmund Main Customs Office enforced import duties on goods like vehicles imported from outside the EU, securing important fiscal revenue streams for the government. By verifying documentation and ensuring correct application of customs tariffs, the office collected approximately 1.2 billion euros from the import turnover tax in 2024.
Enforcement of Legal Compliance
The customs procedures involved rigorous checks and documentation requirements to prevent fraudulent imports, smuggling, and other customs violations. For instance, customs officials assessed proof of permanent residence and legal right to import goods without duty to prevent exploitation of exemptions intended for genuine relocation cases.
Security Enhancement
Through these enforcement measures, the Dortmund Customs Office helped safeguard Germany’s borders against illegal goods, contraband, and security threats. Customs controls at major logistics hubs minimized the risk of illicit trafficking, supported law enforcement efforts, and maintained the integrity of supply chains.
Facilitation of Legitimate Trade and Relocation
While enforcing compliance, the office also facilitated legitimate importation and relocation processes by clearly establishing criteria and procedures, contributing to smooth economic activity and legal imports.
Other Key Contributions
In 2024, the office also seized over 100,000 untaxed cigarettes, over 380 liters of alcoholic beverages, and over 3,700 liters of untaxed liquid for disposable e-cigarettes. Additionally, gold jewelry valued at over €304,000 was detected, along with seven prohibited weapons. Over 3 million shipments were declared for import, and nearly 15 million shipments were for export.
The Dortmund Main Customs Office also handled over 257,000 new enforcement procedures in 2024 and collected over €85 million. From the 4,966 successfully concluded investigations, a total of approximately 1.3 million euros in fines, 87 years of imprisonment, and approximately 1.5 million euros in penalties were imposed.
Looking Ahead
For those interested in employment, training, and study opportunities at the Dortmund Main Customs Office, applications can be submitted until 15 October 2025 for positions starting on 1 September 2026. The office also offers study places for administrative informatics.
For more information, direct inquiries can be made to Andrea Münch, Press Spokesperson of the Main Customs Office Dortmund, at 0231-9571-1030 or [email protected].
[1] Further details on the operational framework for the Dortmund Main Customs Office were not explicitly outlined in the search results, but the referenced practices reflect typical German customs enforcement procedures relevant to such an office.
Revenue Generation through Sports Merchandise
Despite its primary focus on revenue protection and customs enforcement, the Dortmund Main Customs Office also played a key role in securing tax revenue from the import of sports merchandise, such as football jerseys, resulting in additional fiscal income for the German government.
Weather Awareness for Safe Delivery
In order to ensure timely and safe delivery of goods, the customs office maintained regular communication with meteorological agencies to monitor weather conditions that might affect logistics, allowing for adjustments to be made as necessary to prevent delays or damage caused by adverse weather conditions.
