Electronic Cigarettes Worth 6 Billion Tenge Seized in Kazakhstan

Customs officials in Zhetysu, Kazakhstan, seized 155.8 tons of electronic cigarettes worth 6.1 billion tenge at the Alakol customs post on the border with China, according to Turantimes.kz, citing the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Electronic cigarettes, also known as vapes, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide. However, the illegal importation of these products can have serious consequences. Recently, customs officials in Zhetysu, at the Alakol customs post on the border with China, seized a massive shipment of electronic cigarettes weighing a total of 155.8 tons and worth 6.1 billion tenge. This significant event highlights not only the issue of illegal importation but also the need for careful control and regulation of electronic cigarettes.

Seizure of Goods and Vehicles

Workers at the Alakol customs post of the Zhetysu Regional Department of the State Revenue Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Economic Investigations in Zhetysu, discovered the illegal importation of disposable electronic cigarettes, e-liquids, and accessories. They decided to detain the goods and vehicles because the carrier failed to provide the necessary documents and did not declare the goods upon arrival in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) customs territory.

Violation of the Customs Code and Administrative Liability

In accordance with Article 154 of the Customs Code, the carrier is required to notify the customs authority of the arrival of goods and vehicles in the EAEU customs territory and provide the necessary documents. In this case, the carrier violated this obligation, resulting in administrative liability under Articles 524 and 531 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Results of Customs Inspection

After conducting a customs inspection of the goods and vehicles, a large quantity of electronic cigarettes weighing a total of 155.8 tons was discovered. According to experts’ assessment, the overall value of the confiscated electronic cigarettes amounted to 6.1 billion tenge. Therefore, the estimated amount of customs duties and taxes is 1.9 billion tenge.

Conclusion

The seizure of a massive shipment of illegally imported electronic cigarettes in Zhetysu emphasizes the need for more effective control and regulation of this market. Violations related to illegal importation can not only harm the economy but also jeopardize people’s health. It is crucial to develop strict rules and measures to prevent the illicit circulation of electronic cigarettes and ensure consumer safety.