German Authorities Seize 45,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Cologne; Confiscated Products Resemble Fumot Devices

Jun.12
German Authorities Seize 45,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Cologne; Confiscated Products Resemble Fumot Devices
German customs in Cologne recently seized a batch of illegal e-cigarettes and e-liquids, totaling over 45,000 units with a market value exceeding 1 million euros. The confiscated products resemble those of the Fumot brand. This is the largest such case in the region in recent years.

The German customs in Cologne recently announced that they successfully intercepted a Romanian truck driving from Paris to Germany on the A4 highway in Kerpen, uncovering 45,000 illegal disposable e-cigarettes and over 1100 liters of untaxed e-liquid hidden inside the vehicle. The estimated market value of the seized products exceeds 1 million euros, making it the largest scale of e-cigarette-related case in Cologne in recent years.

 

German Authorities Seize 45,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Cologne; Confiscated Products Resemble Fumot Devices
Customs released photos of seizures|Image source: German Customs
German Authorities Seize 45,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Cologne; Confiscated Products Resemble Fumot Devices
Customs disclosed the photos of seizures |Image source: German Customs
German Authorities Seize 45,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Cologne; Confiscated Products Resemble Fumot Devices
Customs published seizure photos | Photo source: German customs

 

According to the photos released by customs, the products involved in the case are labeled with the brand "Fumot" and closely resemble their RAndM Digital Box 12000 model.

 

German Authorities Seize 45,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Cologne; Confiscated Products Resemble Fumot Devices
The left picture is a photo of the product in question, and the right picture is a diagram of the Fumot RAndM Digital Box 12000 product | Graphic Design: 2Firsts

 

According to reports, this batch of products lacks legal tax markings and also violates Germany's new regulations on imposing tobacco tax on e-liquids containing nicotine since July 2022. It is estimated that this will result in a tax revenue loss of nearly 300,000 euros.

 

Jens Ahland, spokesperson for the Cologne main customs office, expressed concern that these types of products are heavily entering everyday retail outlets and being sold frequently to minors. Recently, similar illegal goods were discovered in a tanning salon in Cologne, even accompanied by knives and imitation firearms.

 

The case has been transferred to the Essen Customs Investigation Bureau for further handling.

 

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

Japan Tobacco to Discontinue Ploom X Advanced; Next-Generation Device Set for May 27 Launch
Japan Tobacco to Discontinue Ploom X Advanced; Next-Generation Device Set for May 27 Launch
Japan Tobacco (JT) has announced it will discontinue sales of its heated tobacco device “Ploom X Advanced” starting mid-May 2025. The company also revealed plans to launch the next-generation model in the series on May 27.
May.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Kenya: Committed to Accelerating a Smoke-Free Future Through Reduced-Risk Products
BAT Kenya: Committed to Accelerating a Smoke-Free Future Through Reduced-Risk Products
BAT Kenya is urging greater support for smoke-free products in public health efforts. Managing Director Crispin Achola emphasized that while tobacco control is important, reduced-risk alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco should be available for adults who do not wish to quit smoking.
May.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI launches heated tobacco device IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt
PMI launches heated tobacco device IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt
PMI launches its latest heat-not-burn device IQOS ILUMA i in Egypt, featuring innovative technologies including the Smartcore induction system while maintaining compatibility with existing TEREA consumables, advancing its smoke-free strategy.
Jun.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Suburbs Push Back on Vending Machines as Regulatory Gaps Spark Underage Access Debate
U.S. Suburbs Push Back on Vending Machines as Regulatory Gaps Spark Underage Access Debate
As vape vending machines expand across U.S. regions, multiple communities are imposing restrictions or outright bans over fears of youth accessibility. This emerging retail model now navigates dual challenges: regulatory voids and clashes with local ordinances.
Jun.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippine NBI Seizes $150,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes, Arrests 5 Suspects
Philippine NBI Seizes $150,000 Worth of Illegal E-Cigarettes, Arrests 5 Suspects
The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has cracked down on an illegal e-cigarette sales operation in Manila, arresting five suspects for selling unregistered products via social media. Authorities seized more than 25,000 e-cigarette items valued at over $150,000.
Jul.07 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Czech Health Ministry Issues Draft E-Cigarette Regulation Banning Use of Sweeteners in Products
Czech Health Ministry Issues Draft E-Cigarette Regulation Banning Use of Sweeteners in Products
The Czech Health Ministry has proposed a draft rule to ban e-cigarettes with sweeteners, cartoon or animal imagery, cannabis extracts, and other psychoactive substances to curb youth appeal. It also calls for standardized nicotine labels, more banned ingredients, and stronger health warnings.
Jun.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai