Alcohol and nicotine outlawed: mass seizures in Luxembourg
Afif Ramdhasuma, Unsplash
On Friday 18 April 2025, the Luxembourg Customs and Excise Service (Administration des douanes et accises) carried out an operation to control three retail outlets in the capital. The result was the seizure of a large volume of tobacco, nicotine and alcohol products that did not comply with the law.
Of the three shops inspected, one did not have a business licence at all, which led to an official protocol being drawn up.
What was seized during the operation:
- over 90 litres of electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids),
- 6kg of nicotine sachets,
- 5kg of chewing tobacco,
- 1kg of shisha tobacco,
- 100 g of snuff,
- 37 litres of low-alcohol drinks (alcopops).
The total amount of excise duty evasion is estimated at €12,897, which will be recovered in favour of the state budget. Penalties will also be imposed as part of the infringement settlement procedure.
This operation reflects the government's systematic efforts to combat the illegal trafficking of tobacco and alcohol products. The authorities emphasise that the sale of products containing nicotine or tobacco is subject to strict regulation and requires mandatory pre-authorisation.
Violations may entail:
- confiscation of goods and equipment,
- administrative sanctions,
- possible criminal prosecution.
More information on tobacco trading and licensing regulations is available on the official website douanes.public.lu.
