The German customs authorities have begun to catch an increasing number of fuel smugglers at the country’s borders.
According to Andreas Roßkopf, chairman of the police union (GdP) for the Federal Police and Customs division, the “fuel tourists” phenomenon has surged in light of the explosive rise in gas prices. “Because of this, customs has stepped up its checks, which are now carried out more intensively. We are now more frequently catching drivers who have more taxable fuel than the permitted free allowance stored in their trunks” Roßkopf told the “Rheinische Post” in its Friday edition.
Roßkopf added that customs is paying extra attention “to effectively counter fuel smuggling”. He warned that carrying large, non‑permitted quantities in additional fuel tanks constitutes prohibited hazardous goods transport. The officials also clarified that, besides the fuel already in the vehicle, passengers may bring up to 20 litres of petrol in a tightly sealed reserve canister without going to a customs checkpoint. If a passenger attempts to bring more than 20 litres, mineral oil tax must be paid to German authorities. Violations of the free‑allowance rule can be treated as administrative offences or as tax evasion and may result in fines.
