German customs authorities in Berlin intercepted a van carrying contraband olive oil from Albania. The van was found to be transporting 828 liters of olive oil, which was hidden in 64 cans, each containing about 13 liters. The driver, an Albanian olive oil producer, did not have the necessary import permits for the oil.
Normally, the customs duties for this quantity would amount to around 1,000 euros, but since the duties were not paid, the olive oil was seized. With olive oil prices soaring due to poor harvests and infestations affecting traditional producing countries like Spain, Greece, and Italy, the cost of olive oil has doubled on the market.
According to Christin Schaffer, spokesperson for the Berlin Customs Office, aside from the sales tax, which is seven percent per liter, an additional 122.60 euros per 100 liters is required when importing olive oil into the EU. Anyone who manages to evade these taxes stands to make more profit.
On February 9, during a routine customs check, the van was stopped on a highway in Berlin, leading to the discovery of the contraband. While the olive oil was confiscated, the Albanian driver was allowed to continue driving the van after paying a deposit of 1,500 euros to cover procedural costs and ensure security. The producer now faces tax-related criminal proceedings.
