Customs officials are increasingly catching gasoline smugglers at German border crossings. “The surge in fuel tourism is a direct result of the explosive rise in fuel prices” said Andreas Roßkopf, chairman of the police union for the federal police and customs. In response, customs has intensified inspections, finding drivers who carry more duty‑free fuel than the legal limit in their trunks.
“Customs is tightening measures to effectively counter fuel smuggling” Roßkopf continued. He cautioned against transporting large, non‑permissible quantities in additional canisters, highlighting that such shipments can also constitute prohibited hazardous‑material transport.
Under current regulations, only a maximum of 20 litres of fuel may be carried in a sealed reserve container without duty. If a person brings in more than 20 litres, they must pay mineral‑oil tax. Exceeding the duty‑free allowance can result in an administrative offence or tax evasion charges, leading to fines.