Key Points:
The amount of e-cigarettes being smuggled into Brazil is set to reach a new record of $30 million by 2024.
The Brazilian customs officials stated that the smuggling of e-cigarettes provides funding for criminal organizations, and they will crack down on this illegal activity.
The Brazilian tax department has hired 697 additional inspectors and plans to hire another 520 in the first half of the year, increasing its inspection capacity by nearly 10%.
According to Jornaldebrasilia reported on February 27th, Brazilian customs set a new record in 2024 for the amount of e-cigarettes seized from smuggling. The data shows that the total value of e-cigarettes seized by customs in 2024 reached 179.4 million Brazilian reais (30 million US dollars), an increase of 190% compared to 2023.
Brazilian Customs anti-smuggling and tax evasion coordinator Raphael de Souza explained that
We are aware that the consumption of e-cigarettes has become a common phenomenon. We will not tolerate the entry of this banned product into the domestic market any longer, as it will provide funds for criminal organizations, just like regular cigarettes.
Brazilian Tax Secretary Robinson Barreirinhas stated that,
International trade is a source of funding for criminal organizations in Brazil, and we have strengthened customs efforts in this area. We have increased investment in human resources and, since taking over management, we have already convened 697 inspection personnel, including auditors and analysts, and plan to hire an additional 520 personnel in the first half of this year.
He pointed out that this is equivalent to an increase of nearly 10% in personnel in the inspection force.
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