Regional examination of hairdressing and beauty products industry by customs authorities

In a recent joint operation with the District Government Cologne - Office for Occupational Safety, the Financial Control of the Main Customs Office Aachen inspected several barbershops and a tattoo studio in Aachen and the surrounding area on April 10, 2025. The focus of these inspections was to ensure compliance with social security obligations and the legal minimum wage, which stands at €12.82 per hour since January 1, 2025.

Elke Willsch, press spokeswoman for the Main Customs Office Aachen, stated that during inspections, it is often found that the minimum wage is not met. No further information was provided about the number of employees checked or the specific barbershop involved in an administrative offense procedure for not keeping correct time records.

Unfortunately, this contributes to employees not being paid according to legal requirements, as stated by Elke Willsch. The owner of the barbershop in question remains unnamed in the available information.

During the inspections, indications were found that two employees in a tattoo studio were illegally employed and did not have a work permit. Consequently, the customs officers initiated two criminal proceedings - for withholding and misappropriation of wages and for illegal residence, against the unnamed tattoo studio. No information was provided about the potential penalties or outcomes of these criminal proceedings.

Employees in minimum wage sectors often do not require extensive training or specialized knowledge, according to Elke Willsch. This, however, does not exempt employers from adhering to the legal requirements.

Black work and illegal employment can cause immense financial damage. The Main Customs Office Aachen, which employs approximately 9,200 people, secures social systems and state revenues, contributing to fair competitive and working conditions.

For more information, you can contact the Main Customs Office Aachen at Telephone: 0241/9091-4770, Email: [email protected], or visit their website at www.zoll.de. The Main Customs Office Aachen did not provide any additional information about other inspections or findings beyond those previously mentioned.