German Customs Seized 50 Pallets Of E-cigarette Products And Chinese Suspects Were Investigated
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German customs seized 50 pallets of e-cigarette products and Chinese suspects were investigated
Customs in Essen, Germany, seized 50 pallets of European standard containing illegal e-cigarettes during an enforcement operation on January 16. Three Afghan and Chinese nationals are being investigated for allegedly importing, storing and reselling duty-unpaid e-cigarettes.
On January 23, the Customs Investigation Bureau in Essen, Germany, released news that 50 European standard pallets containing illegal electronic cigarettes were seized during a law enforcement activity on January 16.
Authorities searched four company addresses, three warehouses and three homes in Dusseldorf, Moenchengladbach, Helmerskell, Helten and Wegberg. Three Afghan and Chinese nationals, aged between 25 and 42, have been investigated on suspicion of importing, storing and reselling e-cigarettes in Germany that were not taxed and did not meet the standards for circulation.
The main customs office in Duisburg has launched an investigation after discovering irregularities during tax supervision of an e-cigarette wholesaler. According to the Essen Customs Investigation Bureau, three other companies in Monchengladbach, Dusseldorf and Wegberg are also suspected of being involved in the import, storage and sale of illegal e-cigarettes.
During the search, investigators seized eight palleys containing nearly 30,000 illegal e-cigarettes at a warehouse in Monchengladbach, resulting in a tax loss of around €150,000. About 42 pallets of illegal e-cigarettes were found in Helmerskell's warehouse, and the exact tax loss is to be determined after counting.
Since July 1, 2022, Germany has imposed taxes on tobacco alternatives such as e-cigarettes, and the current tobacco tax is 0.26 euros per milliliter. Any violation will be subject to legal and tax action.
German customs have seized 50 trays of European standard e-cigarettes containing illegal electronic cigarettes | Photo: Essen Customs Bureau
German customs have seized 50 trays of European standard e-cigarettes containing illegal electronic cigarettes | Photo: Essen Customs Bureau
