Tesla Model S Import Mistake Costs Driver Nearly €10k in Customs Duty
A 37-year-old driver from the Waldshut district found themselves in a sticky situation after importing a used Tesla Model S from Switzerland without declaring it to customs. The car, bought for 29,000 Swiss francs, was intercepted on the A96 highway near Weißensberg interchange on August 13, 2025.
Customs officers from Lindau, who were conducting routine checks, stopped the driver and discovered the undeclared import. The driver, under the impression that declaration was only necessary at the end of the export license's validity, was mistaken. The case was subsequently forwarded to the criminal affairs department of the Main Customs Office Ulm, where Hagen Kohlmann, the current press spokesperson, would have handled the matter.
Upon clarification of the regulations, the driver was slapped with an import duty bill of approximately 9,600 euros. The driver promptly paid the amount on the spot, bringing the total cost of the car to around 38,600 euros.
This incident serves as a reminder to always declare imported vehicles to customs, regardless of the export license's validity. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and additional costs. The driver, now aware of the correct procedures, can avoid such situations in the future.
