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

Feb.04.2025
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

China Tobacco Annual Meeting Flags “New Growth Drivers” for 2026: Cigarette Innovation, Domestic Cigars, Overseas Business and Multi-Purpose Use
China Tobacco Annual Meeting Flags “New Growth Drivers” for 2026: Cigarette Innovation, Domestic Cigars, Overseas Business and Multi-Purpose Use
China’s tobacco authorities used their annual industry meeting in Beijing to outline new growth drivers for 2026, highlighting cigarette innovation, domestic cigars, overseas business expansion and multi-purpose tobacco applications.
Special Report
Jan.20
Editorial says West Virginia’s HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” goes too far, targeting residency and citizenship provisions
Editorial says West Virginia’s HB 5437 “Vape Safety Act” goes too far, targeting residency and citizenship provisions
A News and Sentinel editorial argues that West Virginia’s HB 5437, the “Vape Safety Act,” goes beyond reasonable regulation by adding provisions barring any part of a vape or smoke shop from being used as a residence and requiring owners to be U.S. citizens.
Feb.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Imperial Brands Forms Global AI Partnership with Capgemini, Reinforcing Artificial Intelligence as Core Infrastructure in the Nicotine Industry
Imperial Brands Forms Global AI Partnership with Capgemini, Reinforcing Artificial Intelligence as Core Infrastructure in the Nicotine Industry
Industry Insight
Feb.19
MEPs seek Commission answers over EU trade officials’ contacts with PMI
MEPs seek Commission answers over EU trade officials’ contacts with PMI
POLITICO reports that five members of the European Parliament’s health committee want to invite the European Commission to answer questions about its contacts with Philip Morris International (PMI), following a POLITICO and The Examination investigation into extensive meetings between EU trade officials and tobacco lobbyists.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reports full-year 2025 results with net revenues of $40.6 billion and smoke-free net revenues were about $16.9 billion
PMI reports full-year 2025 results with net revenues of $40.6 billion and smoke-free net revenues were about $16.9 billion
Philip Morris International (PMI) released its Q4 and full-year 2025 results on February 6, 2026. PMI reported full-year net revenues of $40,648 million ($40.6 billion), reported diluted EPS of $7.26 and adjusted diluted EPS of $7.54. PMI said smoke-free net revenues were $16.9 billion and represented 41.5% of total net revenues, with smoke-free products available in 106 markets and over 43 million estimated adult consumers.
Feb.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | Claiming a “first multi-beverage vaporizer” with refillable juice/cocktail water chamber, PEAKBAR launches new device in the U.S.
Product | Claiming a “first multi-beverage vaporizer” with refillable juice/cocktail water chamber, PEAKBAR launches new device in the U.S.
PEAKBAR’s new H2O 40K has begun selling through U.S. online retailers including Vape Sourcing. Marketed as the “world’s first multi-beverage vaporizer,” the device is promoted as allowing users to add liquids such as juice and cocktails into a water chamber for pairing. Publicly listed specifications include 20 ml of e-liquid, a rated 40,000 puffs, 0.5% nicotine, a 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery, and two power modes at 22W and 12W.
Jan.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai