When the German customs inspected a truck from the Netherlands, they seized 3.3 tons of illegal vape products. The total capacity of the e-liquid was estimated to exceed 753 liters. The driver involved and the company’s Responsible person were brought to criminal charges， and the tax loss exceeded 245,000 euros (approximately 290,000 US dollars). Since July 1, 2022, e-liquid containing nicotine has been subject to the tobacco tax, with the current tax rate being 26 cents per milliliter (approximately 31 cents).
Key Points:
- Seizure details: The German customs seized 3.3 tons of illegal vapes in Emmerich, North Rhine-Westphalia, with a capacity exceeding 753 liters.
- Subsequent search: An Additional 190 liters of illegal vapes were found at the company’s headquarters, some of which were already packaged for shipment.
- Tax loss: The two discoveries resulted in a tax loss of over 245,000 euros (approximately 290,000 US dollars).
- Legal consequences: The driver involved and the company’s Responsible person were both brought to criminal charges.
- Tax regulations: As of July 1, 2022, vape cartridges containing nicotine are subject to the tobacco tax, with a rate of 26 cents per milliliter (approximately 31 cents).
German customs seized 3.3 tons of illegal vapes
According to TraderFox’s report on July 24th, while inspecting a truck in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, customs officials seized 3.3 tons of illegal vapes. The 35-year-old driver who entered the country from the Netherlands has been charged with criminal tax evasion. The capacity of these unpaid vapes exceeds 753 liters.
According to a spokesperson, customs investigators then conducted a joint search of the company’s headquarters in Wuppertal with the investigators from the illegal work financial supervision department. In the converted bathroom of the warehouse, they also discovered illegal vapes with a capacity exceeding 190 liters, some of which were already packaged and ready for shipment. The company’s owner has also been charged with a criminal offense. It is reported that the tax losses caused by these two discoveries exceeded 245,000 euros (approximately 290,000 US dollars). The investigation is still ongoing.
The customs office emphasized in a statement that as of July 1, 2022, substances containing nicotine used for vapes (such as vape oil) will be subject to the tobacco tax. The current tax rate is 26 cents per milliliter (approximately 31 cents). Those who violate the regulations will be prosecuted according to criminal law and tax laws.
