Germany Begins Crackdown on Illegal E-cigarette Sales

Mar.13.2023
Germany Begins Crackdown on Illegal E-cigarette Sales
Germany cracks down on illegal e-cigarette sales as transition period ends. Taxes set to increase by up to 40%.

Editor's note: Germany's transitional period for taxing e-cigarettes will end on February 12, 2023. As the transitional period comes to a close, law enforcement agencies have started investigating tax issues in e-cigarette retail shops, signaling the advent of a period of strict regulation in Germany.


Recently, the main customs office in Muenster, Germany, conducted raids on 15 shops selling electronic cigarettes, vape devices, hookah products, and tobacco within the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. More than two-thirds of the targeted shops were found to be selling illegal electronic cigarettes, including 370 liters of untaxed e-liquid. According to estimates by the customs office, this amounts to a tax loss of 60,000 euros.


Reportedly, Germany decided to impose a tax on e-cigarette liquids on August 10, 2021 with a transition period until June 30, 2022. To allow distributors to handle their inventory, the transition period was extended until February 12, 2023. Currently, the transition period has ended and Germany is now enforcing laws on tax evasion related to e-cigarettes.


It is reported that Germany is one of the few countries in Europe to impose taxes on electronic cigarettes, with a tax rate of €0.16 per milliliter of e-liquid. It is expected that by 2024, the tax rate will increase to €0.2, then €0.26 by 2025, and reach €0.32 by 2026. This could result in a nearly 40% increase in the retail price of electronic cigarettes.


For instance, a 10-milliliter bottle of e-cigarette liquid currently costs around 10 euros (including value-added tax). Once tobacco tax is added, the price will increase by 1.6 euros. With the addition of value-added tax, the total increase will be 1.9 euros.


Exclusive: Germany's E-cigarette Taxation Plan Estimated by 2FIRSTS


Reference:


The grace period for e-cigarette retailers regarding the 'liquid tax' has ended


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Wales’ 30K Illegal Vape Seizures in 2024 Mask Just 12% Enforcement Efficacy
Wales’ 30K Illegal Vape Seizures in 2024 Mask Just 12% Enforcement Efficacy
UK authorities in Wales seized over 30,000 illegal vaping products in 2024, with Newport alone contributing a third of the total—marking a 173% year-on-year surge in confiscations. Industry leaders are now pushing for a licensing framework for retail and distribution to counter potential illicit market growth driven by the upcoming disposable vape ban.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts’ CEO Analyzes the 2024 World Tobacco Development Report from Five Key Perspectives
2Firsts’ CEO Analyzes the 2024 World Tobacco Development Report from Five Key Perspectives
China Tobacco's authoritative report on global tobacco development in 2024 was analyzed by 2Firsts CEO Alan Zhao, shedding light on key trends.
May.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Wisconsin's share of underage tobacco and e-cigarette sales drops to 11.8%
Wisconsin's share of underage tobacco and e-cigarette sales drops to 11.8%
Percentage of tobacco and e-cigarette sales to minors drops to 11.8% in Wisconsin, U.S. Health officials call for focus on preventing early youth exposure to tobacco products.
Apr.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK E-cigarette Flavor Restrictions Petition Triggers Government Response and Consultation
UK E-cigarette Flavor Restrictions Petition Triggers Government Response and Consultation
A UK petition opposing e-cigarette flavor bans has reached over 12,000 signatures, leading to a government promise for public consultation. Opponents say the ban would harm smoking cessation efforts and boost the black market. The government will assess the issue, aiming to balance youth protection and adult smoking support.
Apr.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Maldives health ministry opens applications for tobacco sales licenses
Maldives health ministry opens applications for tobacco sales licenses
Maldives Health Ministry opens applications for tobacco sales permits, with strict regulations and penalties for violators.
Apr.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New Markets, New Opportunities: 2Firsts to Host Global NGP Market Trends Forum on June 6
New Markets, New Opportunities: 2Firsts to Host Global NGP Market Trends Forum on June 6
2Firsts will host the Global NGP Market Trends Forum on June 6 in Shenzhen, focusing on trends in e-cigarettes, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine. Experts will explore industry shifts and growth opportunities across the global nicotine market.
May.22