“The value of the seized cigarettes is estimated at over 30 million BGN ($18 million),” the statement said.

In addition to the massive quantity of cigarettes, law enforcement also confiscated machinery and equipment used in their production. Two suspects have been detained so far, one of whom is the owner of the cow farm. Authorities are currently investigating the involvement of other individuals.

The post Bulgarian Police Seize $18M in Illegal Cigarettes at Factory Bust first appeared on Tobacco Reporter.

The bill, proposed by Kostadin Angelov from GERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria) in February, calls for a full ban on the sale, use, and advertisement of vaping products, as well as energy drinks targeted at minors, according to the Bulgarian News Agency.

Petar Kanev, chair of the Committee and member of the Bulgarian Socialist Party Parliamentary Group – United Left, described the legislation as one of the most anticipated in recent times. In February, the parliament approved the bill at the first reading with overwhelming support, gathering 197 votes in favor.

During the committee session, members discussed the timeline for the bill’s enforcement, taking into account the requirement to notify the European Commission about specific provisions. They agreed that while the draft would proceed to the second reading in parliament, it would not come into effect until formal notification from Brussels is obtained.

The post Bulgarian Vape Ban Pending EU Approval first appeared on Tobacco Reporter.

The new excise duty rates mark the second price hike this year, following a similar increase earlier when excise rates were raised by nearly 6%. This earlier rise was part of a planned, gradual increase that had been set in place since late 2022, when a four-year schedule was introduced. However, the government accelerated the schedule, deciding that the 2026 rates would be applied a year earlier.

The Bulgarian Tobacco Industry Association clarified that there was no truth to recent rumors about a price surge of 2.50 leva ($1.38) per pack starting in April as several groups warned that the new excise duty directive would lead to a significant price hike. The Bulgarian Tobacco Industry Association refuted these claims, stating that the proposed changes to the excise duty directive, which would have raised the minimum rate to 180 euros per 1,000 cigarettes, had not been implemented. They noted, however, that the European Commission is expected to increase the minimum tobacco product excise duties more substantially in the coming years.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the current excise structure will see a phased increase. As of January 1, 2025, the minimum excise duty for every 1,000 cigarettes was raised to 202 leva ($111). This will rise to 210 leva ($115.50) per 1,000 cigarettes starting in May, with a further increase of 12 leva each year until 2029. Similar increases are expected for other tobacco products and those containing tobacco substitutes.

The post Bulgarian Cigarette Prices Set to Rise for Second Time in 2025  first appeared on Tobacco Reporter.

Already with a reputation as a smuggling hub for arms and drugs, Cimabel warns that Belgium authorities are now tasked with getting on the global bandwagon to reduce cigarette smoking without opening the door for criminals.

“The state is hemorrhaging revenue while criminals rake in millions,” Cimabel said. “The federation is now calling for a rethink on excise policies, urging the government to strike a balance between public health and stopping illicit traders from lighting up their profits.” 

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