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

Product | AutoFresh Lock + Transparent Tank: SKE’s MEMERS VAPE Launches New Device
Product | AutoFresh Lock + Transparent Tank: SKE’s MEMERS VAPE Launches New Device
SKE-owned MEMERS has listed the disposable FRESA 40K on its website, featuring a transparent e-liquid chamber and a battery level display, with a claimed up to 40,000 puffs. The device uses Fresh Lock+ auto oil-lock to isolate e-liquid from the coil; brand materials cite two trigger timings—6 seconds after each puff or after 5 minutes of inactivity. It includes a 900mAh rechargeable battery, Type-C charging, and comes in 10 flavors.
Nov.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
84% of Britons Back Regulation of Nicotine Pouches, Survey Finds
84% of Britons Back Regulation of Nicotine Pouches, Survey Finds
A Northerner survey finds 84% of Britons support regulating nicotine pouches and 82% back a licensing scheme for vape sales, aligning with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to improve consumer safety and youth protection.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Arizona’s New Law Takes Effect: Minimum Age to Purchase and Possess Tobacco Products Raised to 21
Arizona’s New Law Takes Effect: Minimum Age to Purchase and Possess Tobacco Products Raised to 21
A new Arizona law effective Sept. 26 raises the minimum age to buy or possess tobacco and related products to 21. The law aligns state enforcement with the 2019 federal “Tobacco 21” standard and sets penalties for supplying to or possession by those under 21. An exception for military personnel ages 18–20 remains subject to individual service branch and base regulations.
Sep.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Japan to Launch Limited Edition IQOS ILUMA i "Galaxy Blue", Introduces New TEREA Clear Regular Flavo
PMI Japan to Launch Limited Edition IQOS ILUMA i "Galaxy Blue", Introduces New TEREA Clear Regular Flavo
PMI Japan unveils limited edition IQOS ILUMA i in Galaxy Blue, inspired by the universe, set to launch on October 29.
Oct.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bedford supermarket ordered to close for three months for selling illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes
Bedford supermarket ordered to close for three months for selling illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes
Officials from the Trading Standards Department of Bedford City Council in the UK have issued a three-month closure order to a supermarket because it repeatedly violated regulations by selling illegal tobacco and e-cigarette products.
Sep.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Kentucky to Require Tobacco and Vape Retailers to Be Licensed Starting January 2026
Kentucky to Require Tobacco and Vape Retailers to Be Licensed Starting January 2026
The Kentucky Public Protection Cabinet has reminded all businesses selling tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products that they must be licensed by the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) by January 1, 2026. The requirement stems from Senate Bill 100, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 24, 2025, aimed at strengthening youth protection and enforcing compliance against unlicensed sales.
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai