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.

 

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

2Firsts Outlines 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry
2Firsts Outlines 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry
As regulation tightens and innovation matures, competition in the new tobacco industry is shifting. In its 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry report, 2Firsts examines how heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, and vape products are moving beyond feature-driven upgrades toward system-level design, where experience management, compliance structure, and engineering capability increasingly shape long-term competition.
Jan.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
Make Your Brand Understood by the People Who Matter
Make Your Brand Understood by the People Who Matter
Feb.02
Kyrgyzstan: Jogorku Kenesh committee sends draft vape ban bills back for revisions
Kyrgyzstan: Jogorku Kenesh committee sends draft vape ban bills back for revisions
Kyrgyzstan Jogorku Kenesh committee on labor, health, women’s affairs and social issues decided to withdraw for revision two draft laws related to banning electronic nicotine delivery systems and e-cigarettes in Kyrgyzstan.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco Expands Heated Tobacco Customization Strategy with Artist-Led Limited Editions
Japan Tobacco has launched a limited-edition Ploom AURA front panel series in collaboration with musician Ichiro Yamaguchi, featuring five customized designs incorporating brass, Kutani ware, verdigris, kintsugi, and rosewood motifs. Two editions are available through retail channels, while three are distributed via a membership lottery system. The initiative highlights JT’s growing focus on exterior customization and design partnerships as part of its broader heated tobacco brand strategy.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
KDCA youth panel: health indicators worsen with grade level; liquid e-cigarette use tops cigarettes among 11th-grade students
KDCA youth panel: health indicators worsen with grade level; liquid e-cigarette use tops cigarettes among 11th-grade students
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s Youth Health Panel Survey (2025) Final Results Report says key adolescent health indicators worsen as students move up grade levels. By 11th grade, lifetime tobacco experience rose to 9.59%. Among 11th-grade girls, current use of liquid e-cigarettes (1.54%) surpassed conventional cigarettes (1.33%) for the first time.
Feb.10 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s HSE finds over a fifth of vape shops tested still selling to children despite under-18 ban
Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) data show that more than a fifth of vape shops tested were still selling nicotine-inhaling vaping products to children, despite a ban on sales to under-18s that took effect on December 22, 2023.
Jan.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai