Russian Khabarovsk Officers Confiscate Illegal Vapes, Tax Evasion at $225,000

Oct.27

Customs officers in Khabarovsk seized nearly 13,000 illegally imported vapes worth ₽11 million. The undeclared goods evaded about $225,000 in customs duties and lacked safety and labeling certificates. The case is pending court review as Russia considers a nationwide vape sales ban.

Key Highlights

13,000 illegal vapes seized in Khabarovsk, worth ₽11 million（$225,000）.
Products entered without customs declaration or tax payment.
₽18.2 million（$136,000） in unpaid duties; goods lacked safety documents.
Items stored in temporary customs warehouse pending court ruling.
Russia debating full vape sales ban in upcoming legislation.

2Firsts, October 23, 2025 — According to Khabarovsk Krai Today, Russian customs officials in Khabarovsk have seized nearly 13,000 illegally imported e-cigarettes valued at around ₽11 million（$136,000）.

The vapes were imported without customs declaration or tax payment, with unpaid duties estimated at ₽18.2 million（$225,000）. The products were discovered during an inspection of a local retail outlet.

Authorities said the retailer could not provide safety or compliance certificates, and the products failed to meet required labeling standards.

“The goods have been placed in temporary storage pending a court decision,” the Khabarovsk Customs Service said in a statement.

The seizure comes as Russian lawmakers continue to debate a full nationwide ban on vape sales, with new legislation currently under consideration in the State Duma.

Image source: Khabarovsk Krai Today / Russian Federal Customs Service

References:

[1] Электронные сигареты на 11 млн рублей незаконно ввезли в Хабаровск Партия из 13 тысяч вейпов изъята

Also Read:

[1] Russia’s Health Ministry backs full ban on vapes and nalivaykas

[2] Russian police seize counterfeit e-cigarettes and tobacco products in Novosibirsk,products valued at about 1.3 million rubles

[3] Tyumen Regional Parliament in Russia Reviewing Bill to Impose Total Ban on E-Cigarette Sales

[4] Yekaterinburg shuts down illegal e-cigarette oil factory; Russia plans to ban e-cigarette sales

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