Over 3,773 boxes of nicotine substitutes and more than 400 kilograms of hookah tobacco have been seized by officers from the “Customs Intelligence and Investigation” department at the Sofia Customs Territorial Directorate over the past 15 months. The latest case uncovered two courier parcels containing excise goods without the necessary legal grounds.
On March 19, 2026, at a courier company warehouse in Sofia, officials from the “Excise Operational Control” sector – part of the “Customs Intelligence and Investigation” department – conducted a routine inspection targeting the illegal distribution of excise products. The team selected two courier parcels for physical control, sent by individuals from Denmark and Germany, with final recipients based in Bulgaria.
During the physical inspection, customs agents discovered 80 boxes of nicotine pouches in the first parcel and 10,250 grams of hookah tobacco in the second. The excise goods were seized by the inspecting team, and administrative penalty proceedings will be initiated against the offenders.
Since the beginning of 2025, there has been significantly enhanced customs control over the import of courier parcels from European Union member states. As a result of these intensified efforts, over the past 15 months, officers have seized a total of more than 3,773 boxes of tobacco substitutes and over 400 kilograms of hookah tobacco.
Authorities warn that the unregulated import and distribution of such excise products lead to substantial financial losses for the state budget due to unpaid VAT and excise duties. Furthermore, the unclear origin and unknown content of these goods pose potential health and safety risks to end consumers.
Source: Customs Agency
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