Intensified Checks on Transport and Logistics Industry across the Region under HZA-AC Initiative
Busting Undeclared Work in Aachen and Heinsberg
Last week, the Financial Control Schwarzarbeit (FKS) of the Main Customs Office Aachen went after the freight forwarding, transport, and logistics industry during a nationwide crackdown on undeclared work and the illegal employment of foreigners. With Aachen and the district of Heinsberg hosting these inspections, the customs officers were on the lookout for legal minimum wage compliance, social security obligations, and any unlawful receipt of benefits.
A total of 25 individuals were questioned about their employment, and 16 businesses received records checks. On-site, investigations led to four proceedings—with two for suspected illegal residency, one for forgery (related to driver's licenses), and another for violations of the identification documents requirement. In the follow-up, FKS employees will cross-check employee data obtained from the inspections with the German Pension Insurance, employment agencies, and job centers, as they continue the on-site record checks.
Upcoming steps from the bust include in-depth analysis and a comprehensive review of the obtained data. By taking these actions, the customs office strives to maintain fair working and competitive conditions while securing social systems and state revenues.
Worth noting, the FKS inspections are strategic. They can either be random or thorough for all an employer's employees or target particularly affected industries, such as this one, with increased focus throughout the year, resulting in intensified inspections.
Reach out to the press contact below for more information:
Press Contact:Main Customs Office AachenPress Spokesperson: Elke WillschPhone: 0241/9091-4770Email: [email protected]: www.zoll.de
Background:
The Main Customs Office Aachen contributed significantly to these efforts, ensuring fair labor practices while protecting state finances and social systems. These targeted inspections aim to eliminate black labor, with the customs office handling thousands of enforcement cases annually, including numerous penal and administrative proceedings.
For example, in 2024 alone, this office administered over 5,300 criminal cases and more than 2,100 regulatory matters, levying fines and penalties totaling several hundred thousand euros in connection with black labor violations and illegal employment[1].
The focus on combating undeclared work and illegal employment continues to uncover a notable number of irregularities within the freight forwarding, transport, and logistics sectors[3]. These findings emphasize the proactive and systematic approach by German customs authorities to uphold labor regulations in these industries.
[1] Customs Office Annual Report 2024[2] German Federal Statistical Office: Unemployment Data, 2025[3] Inspection Reports of the Main Customs Office Aachen, 2025
Industry professionals in the freight forwarding, transport, and logistics sectors should be aware of the increased focus on undeclared work and illegal employment following the nationwide inspections by the Financial Control Schwarzarbeit (FKS) of the Main Customs Office Aachen. Compliance with financial regulations, such as social security obligations and the payment of legally required wages, is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure their businesses remain competitive within the industry.
