German Tax Authorities Raid E-cigarette Shops for Tax Evasion

Sep.10.2024

German tax authorities raided e-cigarette shops in multiple cities, seizing illegal products and evidence of tax evasion. Two suspects are involved.

According to Lokalkompass's report on September 9th, on September 5th, tax authorities in Germany conducted raids on four e-cigarette shops, two residences, and a company address in Meiderich, Duisburg, Dinslaken, Bocholt, and Hamminkeln, seizing around 400 liters of e-liquid, suspected synthetic drugs, and other written and electronic evidence. The two German men involved are suspected of tax evasion and illegal trading of e-cigarette e-liquids.

Tax enforcement measures revealed that the Münster and Duisburg Customs Offices discovered violations at two e-cigarette shops, prompting an investigation. Further investigation revealed that a company owned by one of the suspects was also used to store untaxed e-cigarette liquid.

Preliminary inspections of four e-cigarette shops have revealed evidence of not only untaxed e-liquid sales, but also of some e-liquid being self-produced from various raw materials and sold mixed with legal products, resulting in an estimated tax loss of approximately 80,000 euros.

Starting from July 1, 2022, tobacco alternatives (including e-cigarette e-liquid) in Germany will be subject to taxation. Currently, the tobacco tax rate is 0.20 euros per milliliter. Violations of this regulation may result in criminal and tax penalties.

References:

[1] Zollfahndung Essen Schlag gegen Handel mit illegalen Liquids für E-Zigaretten

Also Read:

[1] Germany's Drug Commissioner Calls for Restrictions on Cigarette Sales

[2] Police Raid Uncovers Massive Cash and Tax Evasion in Dortmund

[3] German Authorities Bust Illegal Tobacco and E-cigarette Ring in Operation

[4] Illegal E-cigarette Sales in Germany: Growing Concern

[5] The Danger of Lithium Batteries: Preventing Fires in Germany

[6] Philip Morris International (PMI) Invests $600 Million in Colorado

[7] Proper Disposal Guidelines for E-cigarettes and Disposable Products

[8] Challenges and Solutions in Lithium Battery Recycling Industry

[9] Call for Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes in Germany

[10] Germany Customs Bust Huge Counterfeit Goods Operation

[11] German Cancer Research Center Experts Call for Strict Ban on E-cigarette Ads on Social Media

#Europe #Legislation #E-liquids #Germany

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