Israel Busts Illegal E-Cigarette Operations: Massive Seizure Made

Aug.21.2023
Israel Busts Illegal E-Cigarette Operations: Massive Seizure Made
Israel's law enforcement officers have reportedly seized a large quantity of illegal e-cigarettes in Modi'in, according to aninews.

On August 18, according to the news website Aninews, law enforcement officials in Israel have reportedly cracked down on the first case of illegal e-cigarette production in the country. Employees from the Tax Authority of the Ministry of Finance conducted a surprise inspection of a tobacco products store in Modi'in city and confiscated a large quantity of vape and e-cigarette liquids. It is alleged that these products have not obtained the Ministry of Health license in Israel.


A total of 12 liters of seized e-cigarette liquid, with tax alone amounting to approximately 110,000 Schekels ($30,000).


These products are suspected to be illegal, firstly because they are sold at very low prices, and secondly because their concentration of active substances (nicotine) exceeds the standards allowed by the Ministry of Health. In this surprise inspection, 79 kilograms of untraceable hookah tobacco were also seized.


The confiscated goods were seized, and the store owner was also questioned.


Due to the significantly lower tax rates on cigarettes compared to other tobacco products, the smuggling of cigarettes has become prevalent. The imposition of taxes on vapes is an orchestrated effort between Israel's Tax Authority and Ministry of Health, aimed at curbing e-cigarette consumption.


Currently, the purchasing tax rate for vape products is 145% of the regular wholesale price.


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