National Customs Agency

Customs officers from the 'Excise Operational Control' sector in the 'Customs Intelligence and Investigation' department of the TD Customs Sofia conducted an operation against excise violations and smuggling.

During inspections of courier shipments, customs inspectors seized 6980 cigarettes (349 packs). In three separate shipments, there were found 2820 cigarettes (141 packs), 2560 cigarettes (128 packs), and 1600 cigarettes (80 packs) of various commercial brands, all labeled with Bulgarian excise stamps.

The seized cigarettes were described as various goods (textile products and electronics) and were intended for countries in Western Europe, where tobacco products are sold at much higher prices, which fuels the illegal market.

The total number of seized tobacco products over the past ten months by customs officers at Sofia Customs is 2 172 675 cigarettes with valid tax stamps and 282 320 cigarettes without tax stamps.

The National Customs Agency reminds that tobacco products with a valid excise stamp are intended for distribution and use within the country. The movement of excise goods to other EU countries or to third countries must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Excise Duties and Tax Warehouses Act.

The photo is for illustration purposes.