The BALM inspectorate discovered the infringement during an inspection of a lorry belonging to the Turkish transport company. The company was fined for the infringement, but failed to pay it. The fine was then referred to the customs office for enforcement.
The customs officer at the Weil am Rhein-Autobahn customs office recognised the outstanding fine and made the driver pay it. The driver was able to pay the fine in full.
How can customs enforce tachograph fines?
As the customs office explained in a statement, customs officers, who are responsible for monitoring the commercial and private movement of goods at the country’s borders, focus their attention not only on the collection of customs duties, but also on compliance with import and export bans or restrictions.
They often identify problem areas or indications of infringements, the assessment and prosecution of which is ultimately the responsibility of other federal or state authorities.
For example, cooperation with the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility, an independent higher federal authority under the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport, is almost a daily occurrence.
In addition to its own tax and duty claims (e.g. customs duties, motor vehicle tax, energy tax), the Customs Administration also enforces public-law monetary claims for so-called third-party creditors, such as the Federal Employment Agency, health insurance funds, employers’ liability insurance associations and also for the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility.