Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Germany customs officials have seized 90 kilograms of luxury Dubai chocolate bars from a female traveler, officials confirmed. The incident happened in Hamburg Airport last month and arose due to unpaid import duties and health concerns about the products, officials said on Wednesday (January 8). The 33-year-old traveler, whose name was not disclosed, carried a total of 460 chocolate bars in three suitcases. The chocolates, popularized on TikTok for their pistachio and shredded filo pastry fillings, have garnered immense demand in Germany, where they sell for around €25 each (Dh94). However, the traveler reportedly purchased them for just €4.60 (Dh17.50) per bar. A spokesperson for German customs revealed that the chocolates were undeclared at the customs checkpoint, raising suspicions of tax evasion. “The evaded import duties amount to over €330 (Dh1,249), and the chocolates, valued at approximately €2,100 (Dh7,951), appeared to be intended for commercial sale,” the spokesperson stated. The confiscated chocolates lacked proper ingredient labeling and allergen warnings. This oversight posed potential health risks for consumers, prompting customs officials to either re-export or destroy the items. The official statement emphasized that “customs is primarily concerned with protecting the health of citizens in Germany.” They added that unverified products could lead to allergic reactions or other health issues. TikTok has played a significant role in the chocolate bars’ popularity, with videos of customers queuing for hours to purchase them in Dubai going viral. However, the legal obligations of importing food items into the European Union include strict labeling and duty payment requirements. The woman, who was not arrested, is under investigation for possible tax evasion. Authorities are also scrutinizing whether she acted alone or as part of a larger commercial enterprise. ICA/Expat Media ALSO READ: Viral Dubai chocolate inspires imitation
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