Largest Seizure of E-Cigarettes in Germany to Date, Tax Damage Estimated in Millions
On November 27, 2024, German customs authorities seized approximately 650,000 illegal e-cigarettes, known as vapes, in the Rhineland region. This marks the largest seizure of its kind in Germany to date.
Customs officers from the Krefeld Main Customs Office conducted a tax inspection at a warehouse of a Neuss-based company and discovered around 200 pallets of allegedly illegal vapes stored throughout the facility. The Krefeld customs officers promptly informed the responsible Essen Customs Investigation Office, which took over the investigation and arrested the suspects on site.
Additional 29,920 Vapes Seized from Polish Transporter
During the search of the warehouse, a Polish transporter arrived, claiming to have a delivery of e-cigarettes for the address and intending to unload them. Customs officers searched the transporter and seized an additional six pallets containing 29,920 allegedly untaxed and non-marketable vapes.
Two men working in the warehouse, aged 21 and 38, without a fixed address, were arrested on suspicion of tax evasion through the trade of untaxed and non-marketable e-cigarettes. They were brought before the magistrate at the Neuss District Court, which ordered pre-trial detention.
Seized Vapes Exceed Legal Tank Volume, Advertised Up to 25,000 Puffs
After completing the search measures, the seized quantity of illegal vapes amounted to approximately 650,000 units, with an estimated tax damage in the millions. Further extensive evidence was secured.
According to the head of the Customs Criminal Office, Dr. Tino Igelmann, the seized record quantity of illegal e-cigarettes allegedly exceeded the maximum permitted tank volume of 2 ml per e-cigarette significantly. The vapes were advertised to provide up to 25,000 puffs each and were allegedly smuggled in circumvention of vital and health regulations.
Igelmann stated, “With this complex investigation, the public prosecutor’s office, together with the customs investigation, is once again setting a clear signal against tax evasion and organized crime. Our main goal is to dismantle the perpetrators’ structures and freeze unlawfully obtained assets.”
E-Cigarettes Subject to Tobacco Tax, Volume Restrictions Since July 2022
Since July 1, 2022, so-called substitutes for tobacco products (disposable e-cigarettes) have been subject to taxation in Germany. The current tobacco tax amounts to 0.20 euros per ml. Additionally, nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes may only be placed on the market if they do not exceed a volume of 2 milliliters.
The seized e-cigarettes regularly exceed the maximum filling quantity of 2 ml, and the specified filling quantity or number of puffs often does not match the amount indicated on the packaging. Authorities pursue violations under criminal and tax law.
The Essen Customs Investigation Office – Cologne Branch – and the Düsseldorf Public Prosecutor’s Office are conducting further investigations.
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