Crackdown on Smuggling: Turkey Seizes Millions in Contraband

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jan.10.2024
Crackdown on Smuggling: Turkey Seizes Millions in Contraband
Turkish authorities have seized smuggled items worth millions during 2023 inspections, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, animals, and cultural artifacts.

According to Turkish media outlet Hurriyetdailynews, data on the crackdown on smuggling at border crossings and ports in 2023 has been released. During the inspections and operations conducted in 2023, approximately 1.15 million packages of smuggled cigarettes with a value of 46.2 million Turkish lira were seized. Additionally, around 1.2 million e-cigarettes worth 565.5 million Turkish lira (approximately 18.86 million US dollars), 7 million e-cigarette components worth 80.4 million Turkish lira, 8,670 live animals, and 3,924 historical, natural, and cultural items were confiscated.

 

As the import and domestic sale of smuggled e-cigarettes are prohibited and they are not subject to taxation, these items are not included in the potential fiscal revenue loss.

 

In the opening ceremony at the Istanbul headquarters of the Turkish Young Businessmen and Industrialists Association (TÜGİAD), Trade Minister Erman Bulut stated on January 8th that his department is making efforts to combat individuals engaging in unfair trade practices.

 

At this juncture, should we identify any disparities, unfairness, or excessive conduct in any sector or industry, we undertake investigations through our inspection team. If any legal loopholes are found, we promptly make the necessary adjustments.

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Croatian decree raises excise duties on tobacco products effective January 1, 2026
Croatian decree raises excise duties on tobacco products effective January 1, 2026
Croatian government decree provides that higher excise duties on tobacco manufactures and tobacco products take effect from January 1, 2026. Excise on e-liquid is set at €0.25 per millilitre, on heated tobacco products at €211.30 per kilogram, and on a new tobacco product at €126.90 per kilogram. The decree’s explanation says 2026 budget revenue from these excises is expected to increase by €129.1 million.
Jan.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysian Customs Seizes Over US$3.4 Million in E-Cigarettes and Vape Liquids Shipped from China and Transported Overland
Malaysian Customs Seizes Over US$3.4 Million in E-Cigarettes and Vape Liquids Shipped from China and Transported Overland
The Royal Malaysian Customs Department in Kedah seized a large consignment of e-cigarette devices and vape liquids originating from China, with a total value exceeding RM16 million (about US$3.4 million). The suspect, a man in his 40s, failed to produce the required import permit from the Health Ministry, and the case is being investigated under the Customs Act 1967.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China to Cancel VAT Export Rebates on E-Cigarette Products from April 1, 2026
China’s Ministry of Finance and State Taxation Administration have announced adjustments to export tax rebate policies, placing nicotine-containing non-combustible inhalation products within the scope of items subject to rebate cancellation. The measures will take effect from April 1, 2026.
Regulations
Jan.10
Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan
Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has enacted a nationwide ban on the sale and circulation of e-cigarettes and related vape liquids, following the approval of a new law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The legislation introduces criminal liability for violations, with penalties including fines of 300 to 500 basic calculation units (approximately US$10,300–17,200), corrective labor for up to three years, or imprisonment for up to five years.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Thai Customs Region 2 seizes 22,800 YOOZ-branded vape pod heads
Thai Customs Region 2 seizes 22,800 YOOZ-branded vape pod heads
Thailand’s Customs Region 2 searched a private logistics company in Mukdahan province and seized 22,800 vape pod heads with no evidence of customs clearance. The seized items weighed 389.50 kg in total and were valued at more than THB 4.5 million (about USD 143,581.90). The photo shows packaging marked “YOOZ”.
Jan.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KT&G Revises Partnership Terms with PMI, Secures Overseas Commercialization Rights for Multiple Heated Tobacco Platforms
KT&G Revises Partnership Terms with PMI, Secures Overseas Commercialization Rights for Multiple Heated Tobacco Platforms
KT&G has revised the terms of its 15-year partnership agreement with Philip Morris International (PMI), securing overseas commercialization rights for multiple heated tobacco platforms and adjusting the minimum guaranteed sales volume for lil-exclusive heated tobacco sticks from 16 billion units to 11 billion units.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai