15/07/2025
Did we miss Spider-Man's birthday?
Customs officials at Cologne Bonn Airport recently found a package declared as '7kgs of confectionery treats', actually to include 1,500 tarantulas.
Yes, actual tarantulas. Not fondant ones. Not gummy ones. Real, hairy, eight-legged ones. 🕷️🕷️🕷️
Aside from the nightmares this story creates, there’s a serious takeaway for importers:
👉 Misclassifying your goods (intentionally or not) can land you in hot water, or in this case, in a web of legal trouble.
👉 If you’re receiving goods, you’re also responsible for knowing what’s inside. Ignorance doesn’t protect you when customs comes knocking.
Whether you’re importing cupcakes or creepy crawlies, make sure you know:
✅ What you’re shipping
✅ How it should be classified
✅ What documents and permits are required
Because the only surprise you want in a cake box is maybe a second slice, not 1,500 tarantulas.
If classification gets you tangled in a web, then get in touch to see how we can help you classify your goods correctly
