Customs Examination of Hair Care and Beauty Products Industry within the Local Area

In a recent series of inspections, the Financial Control of the Main Customs Office Aachen, in cooperation with the District Government of Cologne, scrutinized several barbershops and a tattoo studio in Aachen and the North district. The focus of these inspections was on checking compliance with social security obligations and the legal minimum wage, which stands at €12.82 per hour since January 1, 2025.

During the inspections, indications were found that two employees in a tattoo studio were illegally employed and did not have a work permit. Consequently, customs officers initiated two criminal proceedings - for withholding and misappropriation of wages and for illegal residence.

Elke Willsch, press spokeswoman for the Main Customs Office Aachen, stated that employees in minimum wage sectors are often not paid according to legal requirements. She also mentioned that employees in minimum wage sectors, such as those in the barbershop and tattoo studio industries, often do not require extensive training or specialized knowledge.

An administrative offense procedure was initiated against the owner of a barbershop for not keeping correct time records. The owner of the barber shop for which administrative proceedings were initiated due to insufficient time entries is not explicitly named in the provided search results.

The Financial Control of the Main Customs Office Aachen plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition and working conditions, as well as contributing significantly to securing social systems and state revenues.

Elke Willsch encourages those who suspect minimum wage violations to report them to the Main Customs Office Aachen. The Main Customs Office Aachen can be contacted via press spokeswoman Elke Willsch at 0241/9091-4770 or email [email protected]. More information about the Main Customs Office Aachen can be found at www.zoll.de.

The illegal employment of workers permanently destroys jobs and causes immense financial damage. It is essential to uphold the law and ensure that all workers are treated fairly and paid according to legal requirements.

Customs Examination of Hair Care and Beauty Products Industry within the Local Area