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

Feb.04
German Customs Seize 210,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes, Suffering €1.4 Million in Tax Losses
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.


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

AIRSCREAM Unlocks Pan-European Nicotine Pouch Market for B2B Partners with Full-Service EU OEM Solutions
AIRSCREAM Unlocks Pan-European Nicotine Pouch Market for B2B Partners with Full-Service EU OEM Solutions
Showcased at PouchEx Stockholm, AIRSCREAM’s end-to-end OEM ecosystem demonstrates how brands can enter the fast-growing European nicotine pouch market with greater speed, confidence, and regulatory readiness.
Dec.04
Global Tobacco Companies’ Latest Earnings Review: Nicotine Pouch Business Shows Broad Strength, Emerging as a Key Growth Driver
Global Tobacco Companies’ Latest Earnings Review: Nicotine Pouch Business Shows Broad Strength, Emerging as a Key Growth Driver
Multiple global tobacco and next-generation nicotine companies reported solid Q3 performance, with the nicotine-pouch category showing broad-based strength across seven firms. Growth was reflected in higher shipment volumes, expanded market coverage, and new product launches. Several companies also reported rising revenue contributions from pouches and continued investment in this fast-growing segment, underscoring its position as a key driver of future growth.
Nov.14
U.S. Chicago CBP Seizes $358,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes
U.S. Chicago CBP Seizes $358,000 Worth of Illegal Vapes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Chicago seized 43,200 illicit vaping products valued at over $358,000 for violating the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The shipment originated from China and was destined for Mississippi.
Nov.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian lawmakers propose total ban on e-cigarette sales, in response to Putin's call for protection of youth health
Russian lawmakers propose total ban on e-cigarette sales, in response to Putin's call for protection of youth health
Russian Duma members propose nationwide ban on e-cigarette sales in response to Putin's call for youth health protection.
Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Vape Company Takes FDA to Court for Stalling Premarket Decision for Half a Decade
Vape Company Takes FDA to Court for Stalling Premarket Decision for Half a Decade
California-based vape manufacturer Schwartz E-Liquid (USA Vape Lab) has sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in federal court, alleging the agency unlawfully failed to issue a decision on its premarket application for flavored e-cigarette products for more than five years. The company is seeking a court order compelling the FDA to act within 90 days.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT accused of “utter hypocrisy” over efforts to dilute Zambia’s tobacco bill
BAT accused of “utter hypocrisy” over efforts to dilute Zambia’s tobacco bill
The Guardian reports that British American Tobacco urged Zambian ministers to drop or delay ad and sponsorship bans and to soften a draft tobacco bill by shrinking health warnings, easing flavour restrictions and lowering penalties. Critics said the stance is hypocritical given similar rules apply in the UK.
Nov.13