… stands ready.
Bitzer and his partners stand for clarity, precision and reliability.
Direct·Expert·Honest
We know the other side.
BITZER MAINFORT is a dedicated team of former customs investigators, former tax investigators, tax advisers (Steuerberater), lawyers (Rechtsanwälte) and customs consultants.
We know how an authority looks at a file, because many of us once sat on that side of the table ourselves. We tell you where you really stand – directly and based on the facts. And we are ready when it comes to advising, negotiating or litigating.
- Since
- 2021
- Specialists
- 5+
- Offices
- Cologne · Frankfurt
When customs and tax get serious
Four areas, one team: we advise, negotiate and defend – from the first audit letter all the way to court.
Customs
When customs audits, issues post-clearance demands or investigates.
- Customs law
- Customs audits
- Illegal work (FKS)
- Criminal proceedings
Export Control
What may be supplied – and what may not.
- Dual-use
- Licences
- Embargoes
- Sanctions
Tax
Where tax and customs meet.
- VAT
- Tax audits
- Payroll
- Tax criminal proceedings
Compliance
Systems that stand up to an audit.
- Supply chain
- CBAM
- Deforestation
- Forced labour
Cooperation as equals – through specialist input, expert assessment or hands-on support on complex matters.
Customs and compliance audits
We examine your customs processes, your export control and your internal compliance programme the way a customs or foreign trade audit would – only before it happens. Or against the considerably stricter standard that groups apply to their subsidiaries and sites. With samples in Germany and abroad, findings including their root causes, and an action plan that can actually be implemented.
Our audit approach →- Risk analysis
- System review
- On-site audit
- Report & action plan
Listed industrial groups, international groups with sites on several continents, research institutions and owner-managed companies trading worldwide.
- Mechanical and plant engineering
- Medical technology
- Chemicals and research
- Telecommunications and IT security
- Logistics and postal services
- Agricultural and commodity trading
- Consumer goods and e-commerce
- Energy and excise duties
Our sister firm mainfort Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH in Frankfurt am Main is affiliated with the international network Moore Global. Through it, we work with firms of this network on cross-border matters. For questions with a US connection, we are supported by RS Mainfort & Associates LLC in Miami.
No need to fear the dark side.
We bring matters to light.
Client testimonials
Markus Bitzer is a very experienced and competent former customs investigator. With his comprehensive knowledge not only of customs law but also of how customs works and approaches matters, he is an excellent adviser for any company wishing to avoid customs risks and criminal consequences.
We had a customs audit and were supported superbly by Mr Bitzer. Thanks to his expert assistance, we passed the audit without any objections whatsoever. He was professional and reliable at all times and guided us very well through the entire process. Highly recommended – many thanks, Mr Bitzer!
Very professional support – Mr Bitzer makes customs matters more tangible, and you understand all the background because he explains it in great detail. We instructed him for an import customs audit and are more than happy that we did.
Even the initial consultation was highly competent and friendly. You cannot go wrong here and you feel in good hands.
Excellent advice and first-class service. 100% recommended
A selection of reviews, translated from German; the originals appear on the German version of this page. All come from clients we have advised and know personally; we checked each review accordingly before including it.