Customs Officers Seize Large Shipment of Illegal Chinese Vapes in Sofia, Bulgaria

Aug.22

Authorities in Sofia have seized 2,800 illegal disposable vapes, each containing 15ml of liquid—a total of 42,000ml—during an inspection at a logistics warehouse. The products, imported from China and disguised as waterproof sprays, far exceeded legal limits under Bulgarian law.

Key Points

Seizure: 2,800 disposable vapes found, each with 15ml of liquid; total 42,000ml.
Origin: Imported from China, disguised as waterproof sprays for a Bulgarian company.
Violation: No Bulgarian excise stamps and volumes far above the legal maximum.
Contents: Preliminary tests show nicotine present; laboratory analysis will determine actual concentration and other substances.
Context: Since the beginning of 2025, Sofia Customs has intercepted more than 50,000 illegal vapes.

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Department of Sofia Customs has uncovered a major shipment of illegal disposable e-cigarettes at a logistics base in Sofia.

A total of 2,800 vapes were seized, each containing 15ml of e-liquid, amounting to 42,000ml in total. The products lacked the required Bulgarian excise stamps and exceeded by several times the legally permitted capacity for disposable vapes.

According to investigators, the shipment originated from China and was falsely declared as waterproof sprays, destined for a corporate entity based in Bulgaria.

Preliminary findings indicate that the seized products contain nicotine. A full laboratory examination will verify whether the nicotine content matches the labeling and identify any additional substances in the e-liquid.

Authorities report that since the beginning of this year, over 50,000 illegal vapes have been intercepted by Sofia Customs, highlighting the persistent scale of the illicit trade.

(Photo credit: Bulgarian Customs Agency)

References:

[1] Митничари хванаха голямо количество нелегални китайски вейпове

Also Read:

[1] Bulgaria’s Proposed E-Cigarette Ban Awaits EU Approval, Covering Both Disposable and Reusable Devices

[2] Bulgarian customs seize nearly 6000 illegal e-cigarettes in Sofia

[3] Bulgaria to Implement Full E-Cigarette Ban by 2025

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