German Customs Seizes Illegal E-Cigs and Tobacco Products Worth over 71,000 Euros

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feb.27.2024
German Customs Seizes Illegal E-Cigs and Tobacco Products Worth over 71,000 Euros
German customs in Dortmund uncovered an illegal e-cigarette stash worth over 71,000 euros, triggering a tax evasion investigation.

According to Extremnews on February 26, on February 15, German Dortmund customs inspected a wholesaler in Castrop-Rauxel.

 

During the inspection, law enforcement officers discovered a total of 21,049 unsellable disposable e-cigarettes in a garage, with a total e-liquid content of 357.302 liters. Additionally, 2,230 cans of chewing tobacco were found. The tax loss amounted to 71,460.40 euros, and related tax criminal proceedings have been initiated at the scene of the incident.

 

The German Customs Administration in Dortmund has decreed that starting from July 1, 2022, e-liquid will be included in the tobacco tax category. By January 1, 2024, the amount per milliliter will increase from 0.16 cents to 0.20 cents. According to Article 14 of the German Tobacco Products Act, disposable e-cigarettes for sale must not exceed a maximum capacity of 2 milliliters (up to 800 puffs). Additionally, the circulation of oral tobacco (snus) within Europe is also subject to strict restrictions. With laws, regulations, and administrative provisions governing the manufacture, display, and sale of tobacco products among member states of the European Union, except for Sweden, commercial marketing of oral tobacco is prohibited. According to Article 11 of the Tobacco Products Act, the sale of tobacco intended for oral consumption and chewing tobacco is prohibited.

 

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