German Customs Crack Down on Tax Evasion at Intertabac Tradeshow, 22 Exhibitors Penalized

Key points:

·Investigation findings: This year at the Intertabac exhibition, 22 exhibitors were found to have illegally displayed untaxed goods, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and e-liquids. In one of the exhibition halls, all exhibitors were fined. 

·Historical data comparison: In 2019, 5 exhibitors at the exhibition were caught by customs, and in 2023, 14 exhibitors are facing criminal prosecution. The number this year exceeds that of previous years. 

·Actions taken: Customs have initiated criminal tax evasion proceedings against exhibitors involved in untaxed goods, requesting a guarantee of approximately 59,000 euros. Additionally, 2 exhibitors were facing administrative legal proceedings for not displaying tax receipts. 

·Basic information about the exhibition: The exhibition was held last week with over 800 exhibitors participating.

2Firsts, September 26, 2025 - According to a report from sueddeutsche on September 25, a spokesperson for the German Dortmund Customs Office stated that at the Intertabac trade show, 22 exhibitors displayed untaxed goods, exceeding previous years. "In one exhibition hall, we imposed fines on everyone." At the 2019 Intertabac trade show, five exhibitors were caught by customs officials. In 2023, a total of 14 exhibitors faced criminal proceedings.

In 2025, untaxed goods included cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and their e-liquid. Customs officials have stated that criminal tax evasion proceedings have been initiated, and exhibitors have been required to provide a guarantee of approximately 59,000 euros. Additionally, two exhibitors have been subject to administrative legal action for purchasing tax stamps but failing to affix them.

The Intertabac trade show attracts over 800 exhibitors each year, showcasing their latest products and innovative technologies in the smoking and inhalation sector. However, recent events have highlighted the challenges faced by the industry, particularly in terms of tax and customs compliance.

Customs authorities emphasize the need to strengthen supervision and compliance with laws and regulations to ensure fair competition. The latest findings may lead to enhanced monitoring of exhibitions in the future to ensure all exhibitors comply with legal requirements. This could also impact the way exhibitors showcase and market their products to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

2Firsts live report

As the official media partner of InterTabac, 2Firsts learned at the exhibition that German customs officials deployed plainclothes officers to patrol for three consecutive days. Any e-cigarette and e-liquid products found without proper tax stamps were immediately confiscated on the spot.

Related Read: German Customs Undercover Inspection at E-cigarette Booth, Products Without Tax Labels Confiscated

For more on-the-ground coverage, visit the 2Firsts InterTabac Special Section.

Cover image courtesy of Wolf von Dewitz/dpa