German Customs Seize 210,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes, Suffering €1.4 Million in Tax Losses

Feb.04.2025

German customs seized large quantities of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes in Hesse and Saarland, causing an estimated €1.4 million tax loss.

According to a report by Zeit on February 3, German customs in Hesse and Saarland seized a large quantity of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Customs officials stated that in a warehouse in Saarbrücken alone, 47 Euro standard pallets filled with unauthorized e-cigarettes were confiscated.

The shipment included 210,000 e-cigarette products intended for consumers in Germany and other EU member states. It is estimated that this case resulted in tax revenue losses of around 1.4 million euros.

Furthermore, investigators seized over 1.6 million illegal cigarettes, water pipes, and cash in Hesse in early January. It is believed that the cigarettes were untaxed and likely counterfeit, and the individuals involved have been arrested.

German law stipulates that the pod capacity of each e-cigarette cannot exceed 2 milliliters. Customs officials have stated, "The seized e-cigarette liquids have a much higher content than the permitted filling amount, and were not properly taxed according to the law.

References:

[1] Tabakwaren: Zoll beschlagnahmt palettenweise illegale E-Zigaretten

Also Read:

[1] German Customs Authorities Bust Illegal E-cigarette Smuggling Ring in Essen

[2] German Customs Seizes 400,000 Illegal Vapes Worth €500,000

[3] German environment ministry urges EU-wide ban on disposable e-cigarettes

#Europe #Open system e-cigarettes #Customs #Germany

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

CBSA discloses seizure of 212,000 nicotine pouches at Pigeon River port of entry

The Canada Border Services Agency said officers inspecting an incoming vehicle at the Pigeon River port of entry in June found 212,000 nicotine pouches and seized more than 29,000 Canadian dollars (about 21,170 U.S. dollars) in currency and cheques. A CBSA spokesperson disclosed the seizure this week in a Newswatch interview about enforcement operations over the past year.

Dec.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Product | VOZOL Mega 50K Launches in UK Channels: 18ml, 50,000-Puff Claim, Compliance Info Not Yet Public

VOZOL's Vozol Mega 50K disposable e-cigarette debuts in UK, featuring 18ml e-liquid and 50,000 puff claim. Two versions available.

Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Maldives Customs Report Vape Fines Reach US$42.8 Million, Mostly from Malaysia Imports

Maldives Customs data shows that fines related to illegal vapes have reached MVR 659 million (about US$42.8 million) since the country banned the import and use of electronic cigarettes. Authorities said most seized vapes were brought in by travellers arriving from Malaysia. The largest single case involved 10,800 vapes, resulting in a fine of MVR 108 million (about US$7.02 million).

Dec.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russian Police Seize Over 150,000 Counterfeit E-Cigarettes Worth More Than USD 1.65 Million

Russian police in Tambov have detained a man for storing and selling unmarked e-cigarettes. Over 150,000 counterfeit e-cigarettes, cartridges, and e-liquids were seized, valued at more than 126.5 million rubles (approximately USD 1.65 million). Tests revealed that the nicotine content of the seized products exceeded the levels stated on their packaging. A criminal case has been opened under Article 171.1, Part 6 of the Russian Criminal Code.