Skip to content

Regional investigation of illicit trade involving pig pelts in the hairdressing and cosmetics sector, particularly between barbershops and nail care salons, identified as HZA-SW operation.

Customs Office in Schweinfurt carries out inspections on 79 businesses across Schweinfurt, Würzburg, Bamberg, and Aschaffenburg. Find out more details here.

Unveiling covert operations in the hairdressing and cosmetics sector: Focus on the regional...
Unveiling covert operations in the hairdressing and cosmetics sector: Focus on the regional examination of illegal pig fur customs in barbershops and nail salons

Regional investigation of illicit trade involving pig pelts in the hairdressing and cosmetics sector, particularly between barbershops and nail care salons, identified as HZA-SW operation.

In a proactive move to combat black work and illegal employment, the Customs Administration (Zollverwaltung) recently conducted a special inspection in the regions of Schweinfurt, Würzburg, Bamberg, and Aschaffenburg. This audit, which was carried out across Lower Franconia and large parts of Upper Franconia, involved the assistance of 90 officials from the Financial Control Schwarzarbeit (FKS).

The focus of these audits is on industries such as hairdressing and cosmetics, but they can be applied to other industries as well. The audit, named "20250416_SoP_Hair_Salon_Cosmetics.pdf" and 19 kB in size, aimed to maintain a high number of audits in these sectors.

During the audit, indications of possible violations were found in 42 cases. Suspected withholding and misappropriation of wages were observed in 9 cases, evidence of non-payment of the legal minimum wage in 8 cases, and suspicion of illegal employment of foreign workers in 8 cases. Numerous deficiencies regarding mandatory registration and record-keeping obligations were also identified by the customs officials.

The customs officers will compare the data collected from employees with the companies' payroll and financial records, and further business documents will be examined. As a result, 17 investigations were initiated on-site, and 79 businesses were inspected, with 166 individuals surveyed.

The customs' audits are an important tool for reducing the societal acceptance of black work and illegal employment. These audits are not limited to specific regions, as they can be conducted nationwide. The customs administration regularly conducts these audits with increased personnel to maintain their preventive character.

The customs' further investigations are ongoing. For press inquiries, the Main Customs Office Schweinfurt Press Office can be contacted at the given contact details. These audits are an essential step towards ensuring fair and legal practices in various industries, including the hairdressing and cosmetics sector.

Read also:

Latest