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Customs strike: Over two tons of roasted coffee seized in Rostock!
Customs secures over two tons of roasted coffee in the Rostock overseas port; Driver is subject to criminal tax proceedings due to lack of evidence.
Customs strike: Over two tons of roasted coffee seized in Rostock!
A remarkable incident recently occurred at the Rostock overseas port: customs authorities seized a whopping 2,160 kilograms of roasted coffee. This coffee was packed on five pallets and was originally intended to be transported from Italy to Sweden. Upside down world? Not quite, because within the EU there are some rules that have to be observed here too. Italy and Sweden are both member states, but the transit of coffee from other EU countries to Germany must be reported, which the driver apparently did not know or could not take into account.
Criminal tax proceedings were initiated against the 67-year-old driver because he was unable to provide relevant evidence. For improper processing, he will receive a tax assessment of over 4,500 euros. This clearly shows that you should play with open cards when transporting coffee.
The coffee tax in detail
What many people don't know: The coffee tax is a national consumption tax in Germany that is specifically levied on coffee and goods containing coffee. The coffee tax is 2.19 euros per kilogram for roasted coffee and 4.78 euros per kilogram for soluble coffee. This tax is collected by the customs administration and flows directly into the federal coffers. Interestingly, the coffee tax is exempt from EU harmonization, which means that the relevant EU directives for harmonized excise taxes do not apply here. This could be seen as a clever move by German financial policy, as it means that all tax revenue remains within the country.
According to the Coffee Tax Act (KaffeeStG), coffee includes both roasted coffee and instant coffee. The latter is defined as an extract, essence or concentration from the coffee beans. The quantities contained in goods containing coffee are also relevant for the coffee tax. Examples include cappuccino or iced coffee, which can contain between 10 and 900 grams of coffee per kilogram. Products with less than 10 grams of coffee per kilogram are not subject to tax - but where is the enjoyment in that?
Importance in international trade
The question arises as to what role this incident plays in the larger context of international trade. The seizure of 2.16 tons of roasted coffee shows how important compliance with tax rules and customs regulations is. Customs have shown a good hand here and show that the Pipifax: “Coffee comes from the machine” does not apply to international trade. Any misuse or circumvention of tax regulations will be pursued with all vigor. Both dealers and drivers should make sure to have their documents in order before departure to avoid unpleasant surprises.
This incident not only has immediate consequences for the driver, but also raises questions about purchase prices and the availability of imported coffee, which is an essential daily drink for many. However, if the legal regulations are not observed, this can quickly prove to be expensive.
Overall, it shows how closely customs, tax regulations and international trade are intertwined and how important it is to know your own obligations when buying your beloved coffee. After all, luxury in a cup is only as expensive as the papers you need for it.