Customs Seize Massive Unreported E-cigarette and E-liquid Shipment in Germany

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feb.21.2024
Customs Seize Massive Unreported E-cigarette and E-liquid Shipment in Germany
German customs officials seized 27,000 untaxed e-cigarettes and over 120 liters of untaxed e-liquid in a truck from Bulgaria.

Recently, according to a report by the German news agency, customs officials in Cologne seized a Bulgarian truck on the highway traveling from the Netherlands to the metropolitan area of Nuremberg. The truck was found to be carrying 27,000 untaxed e-cigarettes and over 120 liters of untaxed e-liquid.

 

Customs officers found these e-cigarettes filled with e-liquid in 135 boxes. None of the e-cigarettes had tax labels, and it is estimated that the undeclared tax amounted to 108,000 euros. After the seizure of these goods, they were confiscated by authorities and a tax evasion investigation has been launched against the driver.

 

The Cologne Customs Administration emphasized in a notice that starting from July 1, 2022, substances containing nicotine, such as the e-cigarette confiscated this time, will be subject to tobacco tax. According to reports, this tax will take effect from January 1, 2024, and the tax rate per milliliter will increase from 0.16 euros to 0.20 euros, further expanding the tax revenue space for e-cigarettes.

 

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

Pelham, USA to Suspend New CBD and Vape Shop Licenses Until End of 2026
Pelham, USA to Suspend New CBD and Vape Shop Licenses Until End of 2026
The Pelham City Council in the U.S. unanimously passed a temporary ban on establishing new CBD and vape shops until December 31, 2026. This move allows the city time to adapt to Alabama’s new cannabis-derived product regulations (House Bill 445), effective January 1, 2026. The ban does not affect existing businesses but prevents new stores from opening.
Jul.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Gold Standard for Natural Nicotine Regulation? — Heno Bio Explains What Nicotine Companies Can Learn from JUUL's PMTA
Gold Standard for Natural Nicotine Regulation? — Heno Bio Explains What Nicotine Companies Can Learn from JUUL's PMTA
In July 2025, JUUL received FDA PMTA approval, marking a new era of higher scientific standards in the vaping industry. Using high-purity natural nicotine and submitting detailed toxicology and stability data, JUUL set a new benchmark for regulatory compliance. 2Firsts invited leading natural nicotine manufacturer Heno Bio to analyze JUUL’s success and highlight the importance of science-based evaluation and regulatory foundations.
Aug.04
Chile MoH Launches “Humos Letales 3: Comeback” — Spotlight on Vaping Harms, Headline Message “Vapear te mata (Vaping kills)”
Chile MoH Launches “Humos Letales 3: Comeback” — Spotlight on Vaping Harms, Headline Message “Vapear te mata (Vaping kills)”
Chile’s Ministry of Health (MINSAL), together with students from Providencia’s Carmela Carvajal High School, unveiled the third season of the anti-tobacco campaign Humos Letales (“Deadly Smokes”), titled “Comeback.” The new wave squarely targets youth vaping, using direct language and a punchy video to boost risk perception. Government data cited from SENDA (2023) show 34.7% of students (8th grade–12th grade) have ever used e-cigarettes and 8.6% used them monthly. Families, schools, and communit
Sep.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Australia’s Health Minister: Teen Vaping Rates Drop Sharply, Over 10 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in a Year
Australia’s Health Minister: Teen Vaping Rates Drop Sharply, Over 10 Million Illegal E-Cigarettes Seized in a Year
Australia’s teen vaping rate dropped to 14.6% following a 2024 ban on disposable e-cigarettes, while authorities seized over 10 million illegal devices in the past year, Health Minister Mark Butler said, citing the success of education and enforcement efforts.
Jul.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kazakhstan Pavlodar region destroys illegal e-cigarettes worth over a billion tenge
Kazakhstan Pavlodar region destroys illegal e-cigarettes worth over a billion tenge
Kazakhstan's Pavlodar region destroys illegal e-cigarettes worth over one billion tenge after investigation uncovers smuggling network.
Aug.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Texas Bans Most Disposable Vapes, Sparking Business and Health Concerns
Texas Bans Most Disposable Vapes, Sparking Business and Health Concerns
A new Texas law prohibiting the sale and marketing of most disposable e-cigarettes and THC vapes has taken effect, drawing criticism from retailers, consumers, and public health experts who warn it may fuel illegal markets and limit safer consumption options.
Sep.09