Germany Seizes 10.5 Tons of Untaxed Coffee in Tax Evasion Probe
Customs officials in Germany have seized a substantial amount of untaxed coffee in recent operations, leading to a tax evasion investigation against a company executive.
On September 16, 2025, the ZOLL intercepted nearly four tons of untaxed coffee on the A3 motorway at the Königsforst rest area. Evidence found at the scene suggested a recent import of another three tons from the Netherlands. Simultaneous checks in Limburg an der Lahn and Gießen resulted in the seizure of an additional three and a half tons. The total amount of untaxed coffee could have brewed a cup for every resident of Cologne.
Investigations revealed that the coffee was imported without the required customs documents. The 39-year-old Syrian driver could not provide the necessary paperwork, leading to a closer inspection of the cargo. The seized coffee consisted of around 245 kilograms of soluble coffee and over 176 kilograms of roasted coffee, with a total tax loss of over 17,000 euros. A tax evasion procedure has been initiated against the 36-year-old German responsible for the company. In 2024, the customs service nationwide collected around one billion euros in coffee tax.
The seizures highlight the ongoing efforts to combat tax evasion in the coffee industry. The total amount of untaxed coffee seized could have significantly impacted the tax revenue, with the coffee tax in Germany set at 2.19 euros per kilogram of roasted coffee and 4.78 euros per kilogram of soluble coffee. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
