Privacy Statement, Conditions of use and Legal Notice for the eZOLL app
Privacy Statement
General
The operator of the eZOLL app is the Central Customs Authority (Generalzolldirektion).
As a federal authority, the Central Customs Authority is subject to the conditions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz, BDSG).
The Central Customs Authority takes the protection of your personal data very seriously. In this Privacy Statement, we inform you about what data is collected and processed when you use the eZOLL app and web service of the customs portal and how we protect the data of our app users. The data protection provisions for the customs portal can be found here:
Privacy statement of the customs portal (in German)
When completing the customs declaration in the eZOLL app, you have the option of using artificial intelligence (AI) to assist you. The AI is provided by the company traide AI GmbH. The data protection provisions of traide AI GmbH can be found here:
Privacy statement traide AI GmbH
In addition, you can call the chatbot AURA if you have specific questions about the customs declaration. The chatbot is integrated into the eZOLL app.
This Privacy Statement also explains what rights you have in relation to your personal data and how you can contact us.
Who is protected by the GDPR?
The GDPR only protects natural persons, referred to as "data subjects". The principles and regulations for the protection of natural persons when processing personal data are intended to ensure that your fundamental rights and freedoms, and in particular your right to the protection of personal data, are guaranteed.
Scope of data processing
With the eZOLL app, the Central Customs Authority provides an option for submitting customs declarations electronically. For the processing of customs declarations, the customs authorities need to process personal data and customs-relevant data in order to properly fulfil their tasks. Personal data is information which establishes a direct reference to a person, for example their name, address or telephone number. Customs-relevant data includes, for example, invoice data (contact details of the sender, seller, etc.).
For further terms used in the context of this Privacy Statement, we fundamentally refer to the definitions in Art. 4 GDPR.
Data controller
The data controller responsible for data processing within the meaning of the GDPR is the Central Customs Authority.
Generalzolldirektion
Václav-Havel-Platz 6
53121 Bonn
The processing of personal data is carried out by the Central Customs Authority, the main customs offices and the Informationstechnikzentrum Bund (ITZBund) (Art. 28 GDPR).
Contact details of the General Customs Directorship’s Data Protection Supervisor
For questions regarding data protection matters and for further information on the Privacy Statement, please contact:
Datenschutzbeauftragte/r der Generalzolldirektion
Václav-Havel-Platz 6
53121 Bonn
Telephone: +49 (0) 228 303-12200
E-mail: datenschutz.gzd@zoll.bund.de
You can also contact the Data Protection Officers of the relevant customs authorities, who will deal with your request. You can find the corresponding contact details using the general branch search here:
Customs offices
An anonymous report of violations of data protection regulations is possible via the corresponding form in the data protection declaration for the website.
Processing of personal data and the nature and purpose of its use
We process personal data in accordance with Art. 4 No. 1 GDPR, only insofar as this is necessary for the clearance process in ATLAS-IMPOST, including the assessment and collection of import VAT in postal correspondence, as well as the payment process. No special categories of personal data as defined in Art. 9 (1) GDPR are processed. However, tax-relevant data is processed, which is treated analogously to Art. 9 GDPR.
The personal data processed in this context includes:
Legal basis for the processing of personal data
If you wish to use the eZOLL app, you need to be registered on the customs portal and have an account there. Personal data is stored in the accounts of the customs portal so that it can be used for various e-government services provided by the Customs Administration. The data protection provisions for the customs portal can be found here:
Privacy statement of the customs portal (in German)
The legal basis for the processing of data for the clearance of postal consignments using the eZOLL app, including the collection of import VAT, is the Union Customs Code (UCC) and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/2447 (UCC-IA) with details for the implementation of the UCC in conjunction with section 21 (2) sentence 1 of the German Value Added Tax Act (Umsatzsteuergesetz, UStG).
By downloading the eZOLL app, you consent to the processing of your personal data. The legal basis for the data processing is Art. 6 (1) (a) and (e) GDPR. You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future. Further information on your right of revocation can be found under "Amendments to this Privacy Statement".
Disclosure of personal data
The Central Customs Authority has commissioned Informationstechnikzentrum Bund to operate the eZOLL app. The personal data provided by you when using the eZOLL app is therefore processed by the ITZBund on behalf of the Central Customs Authority (Art. 28 GDPR).
If the data extraction function is used to complete the customs declaration, the relevant data about the consignment, the sender and the recipient is recognised by the AI and extracted from e.g. an invoice. This data is only stored temporarily for the duration of the processing and then deleted immediately.
Data deletion and duration of storage
Personal data processed for specific administrative services is only stored for as long as it is needed for the taxation and collection procedures.
The application form for your customs declaration is forwarded to the internal specialised customs procedure ATLAS. Only pseudonymised identification features are stored there, and no address or name attributes.
The eZOLL app stores the completed customs declaration form and the answers from ATLAS locally on your device in one operation, including the notification retrieved. The data stored in the eZOLL app can only be deleted by you.
The retention period in the specialised procedure ATLAS is 10 years after the end of the year in which the customs debt was incurred. The data in the specialised procedure ATLAS can only be deleted after this retention period has expired. However, in case of an (impending) legal dispute with you or other legal proceedings, data may be stored beyond the specified time or if longer storage is required by legal provision which we are subject to as the data controller. When the statutory retention period expires, the personal data is deleted, unless further storage by us is necessary and there is a legal basis for this.
Recipients of the data
We may only disclose personal data that has become known to us in the course of tax procedures to other persons or bodies (e.g. to finance courts or other authorities) if you have consented to this or if the disclosure is permitted by law.
Protection of minors
We do not request personal data from children and adolescents. We do not knowingly collect such data and do not disclose it to third parties.
Rights of the data subjects
Since we process your personal data, you have the following rights under the General Data Protection Regulation. Further details can be found in Articles 15 to 18 and 21 GDPR in particular.
Right of access
According to Art. 15 GDPR, you can request information about your personal data processed by us.
Please note that under certain circumstances, your right of access may be restricted in accordance with the law.
Right to rectification
You have the right to rectification and/or completion in accordance with Art. 16 GDPR if your personal data processed is incorrect or incomplete.
Right to erasure
Under the conditions of Art. 17 GDPR, you can request the deletion of your personal data. Among other things, your right to erasure depends on whether we still need the data relating to you to fulfil our tasks.
Right to restriction of processing
Within the framework of the provisions of Art. 18 GDPR, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of the data relating to you in certain cases.
Right to data portability
In accordance with Article 20 GDPR, you can receive your personal data, which you have provided to us, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format or request transmission to another controller.
Right to object
According to Art. 21 GDPR, you have the right to object to the processing of the data relating to you at any time on grounds relating to your particular situation. However, this right is restricted if there is an overriding public interest in the processing or if we are obliged to process data by law (for example, to carry out the taxation procedure).
Right of revocation of consent
According to Art. 7 (3) GDPR, you have the right to revoke consent you have given us at any time. As a result, we are no longer permitted to continue the data processing based on this consent in the future.
If you wish to exercise the above rights, please contact the General Customs Directorship’s Data Protection Supervisor. The contact details can be found under the heading "Contact details of the General Customs Directorship’s Data Protection Supervisor".
Right to lodge a complaint
In accordance with Article 77 GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes data protection provisions.
The competent authority for complaints is the
Bundesbeauftragte für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit
Graurheindorfer Straße 153
53117 Bonn
Telephone: 0228 997799-0
E-mail: poststelle@bfdi.bund.de
Amendments to this Privacy Statement
This Privacy Statement is currently valid. It may be necessary to amend this Privacy Statement as a result of further development of our app or due to changes to the legal or official requirements. The currently valid Privacy Statement can be accessed, manually saved and printed by you at any time on our app.
Conditions of use
Registration/login
To use the eZOLL app, you need to log in to your customs portal account. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to register.
The homepage of the eZOLL app takes you straight to the web view of the customs portal, where you can do this.
For registration and login to the customs portal, please note the Privacy Statement, the Legal Notice, the Accessibility Statement and the Help section of the customs portal.
Privacy statement of the customs portal (in German)
Legal Notice of the customs portal (in German)
Accessibility Statement (in German)
Help section (in German)
Contents and availability
All the contents of our app have been carefully checked. We endeavour to provide content that is up to date, correct and complete. However, we cannot completely rule out the possibility of errors. A guarantee for completeness, correctness and up-to-dateness can therefore not be given.
Due to system-related limitations, technical defects cannot be entirely ruled out. The same applies to disruptions, interruptions or a possible failure in the provision of the offer.
Particular emphasis is placed on the permanent availability of the service, so failures and maintenance windows should only occur rarely.
Note on using the eZOLL app
With the eZOLL app, you can submit an internet declaration for postal and courier consign-ments (IPC) up to a value of 150 euros and gift consignments up to a value of 45 euros.
The eZOLL app can currently only be used by private individuals. There is no provision for an agency relationship. This means that, as the person making the declaration, you are acting in your own name and on your own account. So any import duties incurred are to be paid by you.
If your consignment is subject to prohibitions and restrictions (see point "Note on prohibitions and restrictions") or if excise duties (see point "Note on excise duties") are to be levied, the declaration cannot be made using the eZOLL app.
No excise duties are levied on gift consignments within the limits of the duty-free allowances (see point "Note on excise duties").
In the eZOLL app, you can receive support when entering your data through the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) (see the following points").
At several points in the app, you will find a note about the input fields or the area to be processed or displayed. You can view the note by tapping the "i".
The app responds dynamically to your input and is partially reconfigured, e.g. to show the required fields and hide those that are not required.
The data recorded in the eZOLL app in your customs declaration is displayed at the end under "Overview". The data is to be checked here before it is transmitted to the customs office.
Please submit this customs declaration without delay. If the storage period for your consign-ment is exceeded at the customs office, the consignment is returned to the sender. From the 10th day of storage, storage costs of at least Euro 5 (Euro 0.50/day) are incurred if a customs declaration has not yet been submitted. The consignment may be opened for inspection purposes.
Language
This is a digital service provided by the customs administration. The communication with authorities is in German in accordance with § 87 of the German Fiscal Code (Abgabenordnung, AO). Customs declarations which are not submitted in German or in Latin letters cannot be processed and are rejected by the customs office.
It is not possible to manually enter characters other than Latin characters in the data fields of the eZOLL app. However, you should specifically check this when importing documents using the AI-supported import function and correct if necessary (see the following points).
In the settings of the eZOLL app, you can change the language of the app interface to English. Naturally, this does not affect the proper submission of the customs declaration.
Note on Deutsche Post AG
The designation “Deutsche Post” refers to Deutsche Post AG or the DHL Group.
You will receive a postal notification from Deutsche Post AG as the carrier of the consignment, containing information about the consignment. You will need this notification and the data it contains to submit the customs declaration in the eZOLL app.
Please enter the PÜB number, the serial number and the processing customs office, which you will find on the notification, in the appropriate place in the app under "Data from the notification from Deutsche Post" when filling out the field "LRN" (LRN = local reference number, which is generated on the basis of your information and the current month and year). This data is not generated by customs but is used to assign the customs declaration to your consignment.
Note on exchange rates
Value of goods and carriage costs to be completed in the currency, as indicated on the invoice or other document. If you select unlisted currencies, for which there is no exchange rate at the time of your customs declaration, an error message appears. In this case, you cannot submit the customs declaration via the eZOLL app but have to use the normal procedure (e.g. IZA, ATLAS).
The conversion is carried out automatically at the relevant time. This is fundamentally the point in time at which the customs declaration is legally accepted by the customs office. For this reason, in individual cases, the exchange rate displayed in the eZOLL app during your data entry may differ from the exchange rate shown in the notification. For the conversion, the exchange rates provided by the exchange rates database (in German) are used, which generally apply for the respective calendar month.
Exchange rates database (in German)
Note about the drop-down menus
Clicking on the drop-down menu for some input fields (e.g. the fields "State" or "Currency") opens a list from which you can select an entry. The selected option is entered in the field. You can also use the search field (magnifying glass) to enter a search term, for which suitable results are then displayed. Here too, the selection is then entered in the field.
When the list is open, you will see an alphabet on the right-hand side of the screen which you can use to quickly find the entries starting with the respective letter. Umlauts are listed separately.
Note on taking photos
When completing your customs declaration, you can receive support from the AI and have customs-relevant data extracted from documents (e.g. the name and address of the sender).
If you select the data transfer using the function "Add photo", you have the option of either taking a photo with your device’s camera or uploading a photo from your gallery or photo album.
If you select the camera function, your device’s camera will open. For this, you need to grant permission for the eZOLL app to access your camera in your device settings.
The document should be positioned so that it fills the screen as much as possible, it should be focused and brightly illuminated to ensure that the data can be read well. Turn on the flash if necessary. When you are satisfied with the shot, select "Use photo". The data is now entered into the customs declaration in the respective fields and highlighted in yellow. You need to check that the data entered by the AI is correct before sending the customs declaration and amend it if necessary.
When using the camera function, the photo taken is not stored either in the eZOLL app or in your personal photos. After the data has been entered into the form, the photo is automatically deleted in the background.
Note on uploading photos
When completing your customs declaration, you can receive support from the AI and have customs-relevant data extracted from documents (e.g. the name and address of the sender).
If you select the data transfer using the function "Add photo", you have the option of either taking a photo, e.g. of an invoice, with your device’s camera or uploading a photo from your gallery or photo album.
If you choose to upload a photo from the gallery, your personal photo album will open. For this, you need to grant permission for the eZOLL app to access the storage locations in your device settings. After selecting the photos that contain the data for your consignment, this is automatically entered into the customs declaration in the respective fields and highlighted in yellow. You need to check that the data entered by the AI is correct before sending the customs declaration and amend it if necessary.
Note on uploading documents
When completing your customs declaration, you can receive support from the AI and extract customs-relevant data from documents (e.g. the name and address of the sender).
If you select the data transfer using the function "Upload document", the file storage of your device opens. You can now select a PDF file to upload.
After selecting the file that contains the data for your consignment, this is automatically entered into the customs declaration in the respective fields and highlighted in yellow. You need to check that the data entered by the AI is correct before sending the customs declaration and amend it if necessary.
Note on the goods code search
For each consignment item, what is known as a goods code from the customs tariff is to be entered. If you know the goods code, e.g. from previous orders or your own research, you can enter it manually straight in the "goods code*" field.
In other cases, AI-based support is available to determine the goods code. For this, please describe the goods as clearly as possible in the field "Description of goods*" (designation, material, purpose, etc.) and then have the goods code determined. The result is entered in the field provided.
There is no legal claim to the correctness of the result determined.
The EZT-online (electronic customs tariff) and TARIC (Integrated Tariff of the European Communities) are currently available free of charge on the internet as information systems for independently determining the goods code.
EZT online (in German)
TARIC Consultation
Note on the storage of data (goods code search and documents)
Once started, a customs declaration is automatically saved and can be accessed in the area "All processes" from the tile "Draft". This allows you to complete and submit your declaration later.
You can also delete the draft in the process list.
If you use the data transfer from a document or photo or use the app to determine the goods code with AI support, your data is used temporarily for this process. The eZOLL app does not store the files or data.
Note on the payment method ePayBL
ePayBL is a secure platform for integrating payment methods, such as credit card payments, into the electronic business processes of public administrations.
If you select ePayBL as the payment method, you are redirected to the online payment platform of the federal and state governments.
Further information on ePayBL (in German)
Note on using the chatbot AURA
If you have general questions about customs law or how to use the eZOLL app, you can use the chatbot AURA under "Frequently asked questions". The chatbot can be found in the app in the bottom menu bar.
Disclaimer
When you submit your process in the eZOLL app, you make a legally valid customs declaration. As this is a declaration for the collection of import duties and thus a tax-relevant process, providing incorrect information may have legal consequences.
It is therefore extremely important that you check that all the entries - including those suggested by the AI-supported tools in the app - are correct and that you amend any errors before you submit your customs declaration.
The notes and explanations provided in the app are for information purposes only. No legal advice is given.
Any liability of the eZOLL app, the Central Customs Authority or any software service provider of the customs authorities is excluded and lies exclusively with the users of the app.
Electronic retrieval of assessments
After processing by the customs office, the import duty assessment is displayed in the eZOLL app. The prerequisite for this is that you have agreed to the electronic retrieval of assessments before sending your customs declaration.
The assessment is also provided in the inbox of your customs portal account, which you can access by logging on to www.zoll-portal.de.
The import duty assessment contains information on the amount of import duty and thus forms the basis for payment. After processing any necessary payments, the consignment is released and you can pick it up at the customs office or arrange for it to be delivered (see point "Delivery of your consignment").
Delivery of your consignment
You have the option to have your consignment delivered to your home address by placing a new shipping order (domestic postage with liability for parcel shipments) with Deutsche Post or a postal or courier service provider of your choice. For this, you need to send a shipping label that you have purchased to the customs office. For the necessary information on the size and weight of the consignment, please contact the respective customs office as indicated in the letter from Deutsche Post.
Note on prohibitions and restrictions
The cross-border movement of goods and services is generally free. However, for various reasons, certain goods, countries or persons are subject to restrictions.
Certain goods may only be sent to you under special conditions (e.g. with prior authorisation). Some goods may not be sent to you at all (absolute prohibition).
Further information can be found on our website:
Prohibitions and restrictions
Note on excise duties
Excise duties are the energy tax, tobacco tax, alcohol tax, alcopops tax, beer tax, sparkling wine and intermediate products tax, and coffee tax.
Information on the allowances applicable to gift items can be found on our website:
Gifts
Note on the Import-One-Stop-Shop (IOSS)
If your seller in the third country registers in the EU’s new VAT system and uses the Import-One-Stop-Shop (IOSS), you will not incur any additional charges at customs (import duties) on goods you buy outside the EU with a value of €150 or less.
However, since the seller is obliged to pay the duties due to the EU via the above-mentioned VAT system, these duties are usually already included in the seller’s final invoice amount.
Please note that different rules apply to the import of goods subject to excise duty, such as alcohol, tobacco and coffee.
Legal Notice
Publisher
Generalzolldirektion
Václav-Havel-Platz 6
53121 Bonn
Person responsible
Dr. Alexander Gorski
App-Fabrik Zoll
Carusufer 3 - 5
01099 Dresden
Telephone: 0228 303-0
E-mail: ezoll-kontakt.gzd@zoll.bund.de
Hosting
Informationstechnik Zentrum Bund (ITZBund) (in German)
Copyright
© Generalzolldirektion
Unless stated otherwise, the Central Customs Authority holds the copyright. Without prior permission, any use or publication of the contents of this app (including images, screenshots and screen videos) for other than private purposes of submitting a customs declaration is not permitted, with the following exception. For any exception to this rule, permission is to be sought from the copyright holder. If permission is granted, the eZOLL app is to be cited as the source and it is to be ensured that there is no risk of confusion with offers from commercial providers.
The trademarks and brand names published in this app are the property of their respective owners. Use of the customs logo is not permitted.
Exemptions for media reporting
For the images and videos provided in the media library (though only in German) in which the eZOLL app is presented, no prior approval is required for the purposes of media reporting.
Any further use for commercial purposes, in particular for advertising purposes, is not permitted. Likewise, the contents of the media library should not be reproduced in a context which distorts the meaning.
Media library (in German)
The processing of all images and videos provided in the media library is only permitted with the prior consent of the customs administration. Please contact our internet editing team in this regard.
E-mail: redaktion@zoll.de
Image rights
The photos and graphics used in the eZOLL app are not to be used without the consent of the customs administration.
The image rights for the images and graphics used have been established. For third-party image material, the consent of the rights holders has been obtained.
However, should you feel that your rights have been violated or you wish to use an image or graphic, please contact redaktion@zoll.de for images and Apps.gzd@zoll.bund.de for graphics.
Use of the customs logo is not permitted.
Disclaimer
The eZOLL app is continuously updated. Nevertheless, we cannot assume any liability for
- the accuracy, up-to-dateness and completeness of the information, explanations and details in the e-ZOLL app
- the accuracy of the results and the functionality of the AI-supported tools that can be used in the eZOLL app (reading of data from documents and determination of the goods codes)
- the accessibility and correctness of the results of the pages integrated using web view, such as the registration page of the customs portal and the chatbot AURA
- the wording and validity of the legal provisions referred to. The current, official version applies, as published in the official publication provided for this purpose - usually the Official Journal of the European Union, the Federal Law Gazette or the Federal Gazette.
Note
If an AI-supported function or web view is changed, no longer available or not working, we ask that you kindly notify the app editors by e-mail to ezoll-kontakt.gzd@zoll.bund.de.
Any legal notes and information are non-binding. We do not provide legal advice.
Social media
The official Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Mastodon accounts of German Customs are managed by the Communications department of the Central Customs Authority.
E-mail: socialmedia@zoll.bund.de
