Smuggling attempt thwarted by Bielefeld customs: Mini excavator transportation without customs documents on the A2 approaches Hamm uncovered
In an unusual incident, a Polish-registered vehicle with a trailer was inspected near Hamm on July 21, 2025. The Transport Routes Control Centre, under the Bielefeld Main Customs Office, discovered a mini excavator among various goods on the trailer.
According to Ralf Wagenfeld, spokesperson for the Bielefeld Main Customs Office, the driver attempted to smuggle the mini excavator to avoid paying approximately 2,870 euros in import VAT. The driver should have declared the mini excavator upon entering the European Union (EU) and paid the import duties there.
The driver could only present a receipt for the purchase price of approximately 15,000 euros, but no mandatory customs documents. The inspection was conducted by the Control Unit for Transport Routes (KEV) in Anröchte, which is part of the Bielefeld Main Customs Office.
The driver claimed to have purchased the excavator in the UK and was on his way to Poland for house construction and other purposes. However, the lack of proper documentation led to a criminal investigation against the 42-year-old driver for suspected tax evasion.
Goods from non-EU countries can be imported duty-free up to a total value of 300 euros. For air or sea travelers, the limit is 430 euros, while for travelers under 15 years of age, it is 175 euros. The driver exceeded these limits, which necessitated the payment of import duties.
After completing all formalities and paying the import duties on the spot, the driver was allowed to continue his journey. The Bielefeld Main Customs Office's website is www.zoll.de, and for further questions, contact Ralf Wagenfeld at the Bielefeld Main Customs Office. The name of the Polish person arrested near Hamm has not been publicly disclosed.
This incident serves as a reminder that all goods from non-EU countries must be declared orally at the customs office upon entry from a non-EU member state. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences and financial penalties.
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