Expat’s Golden Belt Confiscated
A 23-year-old expat traveling from Turkey to Germany wanted to exit using the green gate used for duty-free goods. German customs officials asked the young expat to pass through an X-ray machine for a detailed search.
A detailed search was made
While the officers were passing his luggage through the X-ray machine, they noticed a metallic object, and when the suitcase was opened, it turned out to be a gold belt. Since the passenger could not present an invoice, the value of the golden belt was determined based on the current gold value.
“It was my mother’s wedding gift”
Defending himself, the expatriate said, “The golden belt was a wedding gift that my mother gave to my wife. “So I didn’t know that I had to pay customs duty for this reason,” he said.
Up to 430 Euros are allowed
Stating that they often hear such statements at the airport, Bremen Main Customs Office Manager Nicole Tödter said: “All goods exceeding the 430 Euro travel permit must be declared to customs. “Always declare your goods to avoid additional fees and even penalties,” he explained.