Darmstadt Customs Office cracks down on fraud and illegal trade in 2024
The Darmstadt Main Customs Office has reported a busy year in 2024, handling tax collection, combating undeclared work, and enforcing trade regulations. With over 700 employees across six locations, the office collected nearly three billion euros in taxes and duties while cracking down on illegal activities.
The office's work spanned multiple areas. It collected €1.5 billion in import VAT, the largest share of its €3 billion total. Another €58.8 million went to the EU as customs duties, with the rest directed to Germany's federal budget.
Inspections and enforcement played a major role in its operations. Authorities checked 630 employers for undeclared work, launching around 2,200 criminal cases and uncovering €29.5 million in damages. The Audit Service carried out over 240 audits and 1,900 tax supervision measures, recovering €12.7 million in unpaid taxes.
On trade and safety, officials seized 7,870 counterfeit goods and blocked 21,360 unsafe or non-compliant products. The Traffic Routes Control Unit also confiscated around 350 kilograms of narcotics, including 85,760 units of methamphetamine.
Training remained a priority, with 56 trainees and students joining the office's programmes in 2024.
The Darmstadt Main Customs Office's 2024 activities highlight its broad responsibilities, from tax collection to law enforcement. With significant sums recovered and thousands of illegal goods intercepted, its work continues to impact both revenue and public safety across southern Hesse.
