German Customs Seizes 400,000 Illegal Vapes Worth €500,000

Nov.27.2024
German Customs Seizes 400,000 Illegal Vapes Worth €500,000
Berlin Customs has cracked down on e-cigarette smuggling, detaining eight suspects and seizing 400,000 illegal vapes, resulting in a tax loss of €500,000.

On November 26, the Berlin-Brandenburg Customs Investigation Office announced that they, along with approximately 500 law enforcement officers from the Berlin Police Department, conducted searches at 35 addresses and multiple vehicles in the city. The operation was aimed at cracking down on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes to teenagers.


The police seized 400,000 untaxed e-cigarettes, 600 kilograms of waterpipe tobacco, and over 200,000 euros in cash. It is reported that the tax loss is at least 500,000 euros.


The investigation points to a group of eight suspects, ranging in age from 24 to 41. This group has been selling smuggled e-cigarettes to teenagers primarily through online advertisements since January 2024.


According to reports, these disposable e-cigarettes were brought into Germany by an unknown third party without going through customs and paying taxes. The suspects were aware of this, but they still sold the untaxed goods.


The investigation and assessment of the seized evidence are currently underway.


Starting from July 1, 2022, disposable e-cigarettes are included in the scope of tobacco tax as a tobacco alternative. It is important in tax regulations to consider the e-liquid content in disposable e-cigarettes. From January 1, 2024, the tobacco tax rate will be 0.20 euros per milliliter. According to the Youth Protection Act, disposable e-cigarettes containing nicotine and those without nicotine cannot be provided to children and adolescents, violators can be fined up to 50,000 euros.


Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.