Regionwide examination of hairdressing and cosmetic goods by HZA-AC customs officials
The Main Customs Office Aachen, in collaboration with the District Government of Cologne, recently carried out inspections in several barbershops and a tattoo studio in Aachen and the northern district. The focus of these inspections was on checking compliance with social security obligations and the legal minimum wage.
On April 10, 2025, the Financial Control of the Main Customs Office Aachen conducted these inspections. During the process, 13 employees were interviewed about their employment relationships. Business records were checked in 4 cases.
Elke Willsch, the press spokeswoman for the Main Customs Office Aachen, commented on the inspections, stating that employees in minimum wage sectors often do not receive payment according to legal requirements.
The inspections resulted in significant findings. Indications were found that two employees in a tattoo studio were illegally employed and did not have a work permit. Consequently, two criminal proceedings were initiated - for withholding and misappropriation of wages, and for illegal residence. An administrative offense procedure was initiated against the owner of a barbershop for not keeping correct time records.
The Main Customs Office Aachen, with its approximately 9,200 employees, plays a crucial role in securing social systems and state revenues. The Financial Control of the Main Customs Office Aachen contributes significantly to ensuring fair competitive and employment conditions.
Black work and illegal employment can permanently destroy jobs and cause enormous financial damage. The Main Customs Office Aachen is actively working to combat illegal employment and ensure compliance with social security obligations and the legal minimum wage, which is €12.82 per hour as of January 1, 2025.
For more information, you can contact Elke Willsch via telephone at 0241/9091-4770, email at [email protected], or visit the website www.zoll.de. The information in this article was transmitted by the Main Customs Office Aachen via news aktuell.
