German Authorities Seize Record 650,000 Illegal E-Cigarettes in Neuss

The largest confiscation of illicit vapes in Germany uncovered tax evasion and potential health regulation violations, with a tax loss estimated in the millions.

• Customs officials discovered over 200 pallets containing 650,000 illegal e-cigarettes during a warehouse inspection in Neuss, Germany, on November 27, 2024.
• The seized vapes exceeded the legally permitted 2ml tank size and were allegedly smuggled to bypass health and safety regulations.
• Two men, aged 21 and 38, without permanent residence, were arrested on suspicion of tax evasion and placed in pretrial detention.
• A Polish transporter delivering an additional 30,000 vapes to the warehouse during the raid further highlighted the scale of the operation.
• The illegal products could have caused a tax loss in the millions, as e-cigarette liquids have been taxable in Germany since 2022, with rates set to increase by 2026.

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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung RP ONLINE