Customs under pressure: reactions to the cheap offers from China

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Entdecken Sie die neuesten Entwicklungen rund um die Diskussion über strengere Zollkontrollen für chinesische Billiganbieter wie Temu und Shein. Erfahren Sie, warum der BDZ vor unrealistischen Erwartungen warnt und welche Lösungen für eine modernisierte Zollabfertigung gefordert werden, um effektive und risikobasierte Kontrollen zu gewährleisten.
Discover the latest developments about the discussion about stricter customs controls for Chinese cheap providers such as Temu and Shein. Find out why the BDZ warns of unrealistic expectations and which solutions are required for modernized customs clearance to ensure effective and risk -based controls. (Symbolbild/MB)

alarm mood on the customs front! The call is getting louder from politics to put online giant from China like Temu and Shein onto the pelle. The accusation? These providers tease our tax laws and triumphantly march into the German market with their cheap goods while they are handling tariffs and taxes through nasty tricks! Especially the NRW finance minister Marcus Optendrenk (CDU) now wants to make nails with heads: huge halls are to be rented to search the package avalanches, and student assistants should step in during the semester break.

But the shock sits deep in the camp of the German customs and finance union (BDZ). You are alarmed! It's time for a strong "stop!" Against these wild demands, which, in their view, are not only dubious, but also completely misguided. "We specifically check for risks!", Explains BDZ chairman Thomas Liebel and sums it up: A checking out of each individual small show would force customs to their knees and the large criminals that strike with drugs would only cause more headaches.

politics or actionism?

"Are cheap producers more important than the drug barons?" Asks Liebel to be frowned. He demands more strategic thinking from political decision -makers. "Customs work is not Wishful Thinking!" Said Liebel. There is a clear hierarchy: customs are subject to the Federal Ministry of Finance. Solutions for the protection of our domestic economy must also come from the Chancellery and the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Where is the line in this chaotic government rhetoric?

Reality in the customs system is different. The BDZ warns: As long as there are no significantly more staff and the latest IT technology, the calls will run into nothing after more controls. The praised land of Temu and Co. not only brings a wave of packages, but also a gigantic stress for the already overloaded customs personnel.

digitization urgently needed!

The old customs software atlas is almost described as a dinosaurs in the digital world. The BDZ calls for an intelligent system that guarantees a smooth process with the help of algorithms and artificial intelligence. This is the only way to adequately check risk -proof programs and unproblematic packages can be quickly handled at the same time.

Yes, the BDZ's customs professionals also admit that the tricks of the dealers in e-commerce lead to loss of money. But exaggerated estimates are the wrong way! Trained customs officials must not be grated in the small small, while on the whole, the eyes remain closed from serious dangers. If the EU actually abolish the customs exemption for small shipments up to 150 euros, the customs offices urgently need support to set the bureaucracy.

Berlin, be careful! Here a massive challenge in customs policy is loud! A fight against cheap production from China? Or just a storm in the water glass? The time will show whether the government succeeds in keeping an overview!