German Customs Seize 90kg of Viral Dubai Chocolate
Last month, German customs officials at Hamburg airport intercepted a woman carrying 90kg of the now-famous Dubai chocolate. The woman, 33, whose identity remains undisclosed, is facing hundreds of euros in import duties.
The Sweet Sensation: Dubai Chocolate
This internet-famous chocolate bar features a delicious blend of pistachio cream and knafeh—a crispy filo dough used in baklava—encased in milk chocolate. It shot to fame in 2023 after TikTok food influencer Maria Vehera shared a video of herself enjoying it.
Details of the Seizure
According to Reuters, the woman had 460 bars spread across three suitcases, each purchased for €4.60 (£3.85). Although she was not arrested, she is now under investigation for possible tax evasion charges.
Customs Concerns
Customs officials noted that the seized chocolate, valued at around €2,100 (£1,759), lacked ingredient and allergen information on its packaging, posing a potential health risk. The bars must now be re-exported or destroyed, as they were likely intended for commercial sale.
Background on Dubai Chocolate
Dubai chocolate, a recent creation by Dubai-based British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda, was inspired by her pregnancy cravings in 2021. Her brand, Fix Dessert Chocolatier, offers the original “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” bar exclusively in Dubai. Despite this, copycat versions have sprung up worldwide. Last year, Swiss chocolatier Lindt released a limited batch of 1,000 bars in select German shops, drawing massive lines of eager customers.
Health and Tax Evasion Concerns
German customs emphasized the dual concerns of potential tax evasion—exceeding €330 (£276) in evaded import duties—and protecting citizen health due to the lack of ingredient transparency
