Overview

• Customs officers in Germany report finding prohibited items in holiday packages, including live animals, counterfeit goods, and unsafe devices.
• Examples of intercepted items include Japanese chicken feet, live tarantulas, and a so-called 'Voodoo device' with hazardous electrical components.
• Illegal imports also include goods made from protected species, such as python leather and sturgeon caviar, which require special permits.
• Officials caution buyers about hidden costs like import taxes and extra fees on non-EU online purchases, which can make items significantly more expensive.
• Fraudulent practices, such as underreporting the value of luxury items or mislabeling commercial goods as gifts, are under increased scrutiny by customs authorities.