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

IVG Adds Six New Flavours to Pro Range, Expanding Line-Up to 39
IVG Adds Six New Flavours to Pro Range, Expanding Line-Up to 39
IVG has added six new flavours to its Pro range, taking the total line-up to 39 flavours. The new additions are Cola Frost, Rainbow Burst, Pineapple Tropic, Blueberry Raspberry, Strawberry Raspberry Ice and Raspberry Cherry Blueberry. All six are available only in 20mg nicotine strength, with an RRP of £10.95 for a starter kit and £7.95 for a refill pod.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ispire and Jincheng Pharma Form Joint Venture to Enter Global High-Growth Nicotine Pouch Market
Ispire and Jincheng Pharma Form Joint Venture to Enter Global High-Growth Nicotine Pouch Market
Summary Ispire Technology announced a strategic joint venture with Chinese pharmaceutical company Jincheng Pharma to manufacture and commercialize nicotine pouch products. The partnership combines pharmaceutical-grade production capabilities with Ispire’s global regulatory infrastructure and distribution network as the company expands beyond vaping hardware into oral nicotine products.
Business
May.13
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
PMI’s Smoke-Free Business Accounts for 43% of Net Revenues in Q1 as Full-Year EPS Guidance Rises
On April 22, 2026, Philip Morris International released its first-quarter 2026 results. The report showed net revenues of $10.146 billion, up 9.1% year on year; adjusted diluted EPS of $1.96, up 16.0%; and smoke-free products accounting for 43% of total net revenues. Based on first-quarter performance, the company raised its 2026 full-year adjusted diluted EPS forecast to $8.36 to $8.51, or $8.11 to $8.26 excluding currency.
Apr.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russian Vape Industry Proposes State Monopoly on E-Liquid Production as Alternative to Ban
Russian Vape Industry Proposes State Monopoly on E-Liquid Production as Alternative to Ban
Russian business groups are trying to persuade the authorities to abandon plans to ban the sale of e-cigarettes and related liquids at both the federal and regional levels.
Apr.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Smoore International Q1 Results: Enterprise-Focused Business Up 48.6% Year-on-Year, Proprietary E-Vapor Brand Business Up 14.3%
Smoore International Q1 Results: Enterprise-Focused Business Up 48.6% Year-on-Year, Proprietary E-Vapor Brand Business Up 14.3%
Smoore International reported its Q1 financial results, with revenue for the period reaching RMB3.856 billion, up 41.7% year-on-year, and net profit (profit for the period) totaling RMB262.5 million, up 36.6% year-on-year. Revenue from its enterprise-focused business was RMB3.2674 billion, representing a 48.6% increase from RMB2.1989 billion in the same period last year. Revenue from its proprietary brand business was RMB588.6 million, up 12.6% from RMB522.6 million a year earlier.
Apr.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Israel’s Finance Ministry Advances New Tax Plan for Vapes, Tobacco Pouches and Nicotine Pouches
Israel’s Finance Ministry Advances New Tax Plan for Vapes, Tobacco Pouches and Nicotine Pouches
Israel’s Finance Ministry is advancing a new bill to tax e-cigarettes, tobacco pouches and nicotine pouches. According to the report, once approved by the Knesset Finance Committee, the initiative would only require the signature of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to take effect. The plan would lower the tax on vape liquid while introducing new taxes on vape devices and on tobacco and nicotine pouches.
Apr.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai