Abstract: A sampling system for taking fuel samples from an external fuel tank includes a mobile platform, a sample tank carried by the mobile platform, and a supply line connected to the sample tank and configured to conduct the fuel from the external fuel tank into the sample tank. A mixing device is disposed in the sample tank and configured to mix fuel in the sample tank. A discharge line connected to the sample tank and configured to discharge the fuel from the sample tank. A sampling device is configured for removing a partial quantity of the fuel from the sample tank. A method for operating the sampling system is also described.