Lawyer for Customs Criminal Law

Allegations of customs violations can quickly escalate into a complex and stressful legal situation.
Violations of customs law can have severe consequences—both personally and for your company. We provide expert defence in these highly specialised matters before the relevant prosecuting authorities.

Have you received a hearing notice as part of a criminal investigation for suspected tax evasion?

Our law firm specialises in customs criminal law and administrative customs offences.
What sets us apart?
Our unique combination of in-depth customs law expertise and extensive criminal defence experience.
This combination is crucial—especially in customs criminal proceedings, which often involve tax-related offences—to ensure targeted and effective legal defence.

Our goal is to have proceedings discontinued or to significantly reduce any potential criminal consequences.

Customs proceedings can involve multiple authorities, such as the main customs offices and public prosecutors. This often creates a complex and confusing situation. We maintain a clear overview and develop a focused and effective defence strategy tailored to your case.

Your Trusted Partner in Customs Criminal Defence

Facing allegations of customs violations? Our firm is highly specialised in customs criminal law. We offer expert, committed defence representation if you are accused of any of the following:

Failure to declare goods when importing into the EU: Failing to properly declare goods can lead to serious legal repercussions.
Underreporting the value of goods: Allegedly false valuations may trigger suspicions of tax evasion and customs offences.
Incorrect customs tariff codes: Mistakes in customs declarations can result in high back payments and criminal proceedings—even outside of anti-dumping regulations.
Breaches of specific customs procedures: Complex customs schemes such as customs warehouses or T1 transit procedures often lead to misunderstandings and unintentional errors.

Time is of the essence.
The sooner you contact us, the more effectively we can act to protect your rights and minimise consequences. Get in touch today to benefit from our experience and legal expertise.

Your Law Firm for Customs Criminal Law and Administrative Offences – Your Defence Is Our Mission.

Your contact person

Lawyer Inés Jakob
& Certified Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser

Get in touch for a no-obligation initial consultation:

Call us on:

Tel.: +49 911 25300065

Or send us an email at:

info@anwaltskanzlei-jakob.com

We welcome your enquiry and are happy to assist!

What type of criminal proceedings may be initiated for import-related violations?
A criminal tax investigation may be initiated on suspicion of (attempted) tax evasion. The legal basis for such proceedings is set out in the German Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung – AO).
What does tax evasion mean in the context of import duties?
Tax evasion of import duties refers to the intentional underpayment of import charges—such as customs duties, excise taxes (e.g. under the Tobacco Duty Act or Alcohol Duty Act), or import VAT—through false or incomplete declarations, or by omitting required information during the import of goods.
What type of violation can lead to criminal tax proceedings?
Any suspected breach of the provisions of the Union Customs Code—such as errors in customs declarations, customs warehousing procedures, or transit procedures—as well as violations of excise duty law or VAT regulations, may trigger a criminal investigation for tax evasion.
What are the possible penalties for tax evasion involving import duties?
Penalties include imprisonment of up to five years—or more in particularly serious cases—or fines. In addition, authorisations such as AEO status or customs warehousing approvals may be revoked, as a conviction typically disqualifies a company from being considered reliable. Goods involved in the offence may also be confiscated.
How can I best protect myself from criminal tax proceedings related to import duties?
The most effective protection is prevention through compliance.
Careful documentation: Keep detailed records of all imports, including invoices, customs declarations, and proof of payment of import duties.
Regular review: Regularly audit your import processes to ensure full compliance with legal requirements.
Staff training: Ensure that all employees involved in import activities are well-informed about relevant laws and regulations.
In the event of suspected tax offences, a response strategy should be in place—such as immediate consultation with a lawyer and conducting an internal investigation.