Customs in turmoil: more packages from China, drugs and weapons of war in sight!

Customs in turmoil: more packages from China, drugs and weapons of war in sight!

Dewezet, Deutschland - The customs balance sheet for 2024 shows significant developments in German foreign trade and drug fighting. Loud Dewezet the number of customs handling in online trading grew to 235 million, which corresponds to an increase of over 300 percent compared to the previous year. This development is significantly influenced by the import of packages from China, which make up 90 percent of the total programs.

Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) noted that increasingly cheap goods and fake products from China get to Germany. There are currently discussions about the abolition of the customs limit of 150 euros at the European level. Klingbeil also demands stricter controls against such programs. The focus is particularly on the security standards that come under pressure due to the growing trade conflicts and the increase in online trade.

drug balance 2024

This year's customs balance sheet also brings new knowledge about drug intervention: the amount of secured cocaine could be significantly reduced, from 39.9 tons in the previous year to 16.3 tons in 2023. According to Klingbeil, this reflects the success of targeted controls and the increased investigative pressure. The smuggling is often carried out in sea containers, and larger finds were documented in particular in the ports of Hamburg and Bremerhaven.

In contrast, the amount of the seized marijuana rose from 8.6 tons to 12.6 tons. Theoretically, this increase could be in connection with the partial legalization of cannabis consumption for adults in April 2024, but there is currently no demonstrable direct connection. A total of around 10,038 kilograms of drugs in the street value of around 208 million euros were secured by customs, including numerous other substances.

security and control

In addition to the fight against drugs, the customs of 161 war weapons ensured a massive increase compared to only 19 in the previous year. In two major cases, the means of transport did not provide permits. As part of the Financial Control undeclared Labor, 25,274 employers were checked, which represents a decline compared to 42,631 checks in 2023. The number of procedures initiated and completed remained almost constant.

The German customs and finance union expressed concerns about the pressure on the protective function of customs. Union chairman Thomas Liebel criticized persistent austerity measures, while the federal government plans to adopt a law to modernize and digitize black work. Apotheke adhoc reports that drug-moving was discovered in post, freight and travel, whereby 8224 were recorded.

Finally, it can be said that the figures of the customs authorities indicate the complex challenges in front of which the German customs and security authorities are facing. The progressive digitization, rising package numbers and drug trafficking require rethinking and innovative solutions in the area of ​​customs monitoring and control.

For detailed information about foreign trade and the relevant statistics, interested parties can consult the page of the Statistical offices