The first negative effects of joining Schengen. The illegal cigarette trafficking from Romania to Bulgaria has intensified.

The illegal cigarette trafficking from Romania to Bulgaria has increased with the accession of both countries to the Schengen Area.

Since the beginning of the year, border officers in Giurgiu have seized over 100,000 cigarettes without excise stamps and without any documents proving their origin. In addition, the vehicles used for transporting these cigarettes were also confiscated. Authorities warn that, according to the Customs Code, the import of tobacco products for personal use from another EU member state is only permitted within certain limits.

Approximately 10,000 packs of cigarettes, for which the holders lacked documents of origin, were discovered on communication routes near the Giurgiu-Ruse border crossing point.

Nicoleta Bădiţă, inspector and spokesperson for the Giurgiu Territorial Border Police Inspectorate: A significant case occurred on January 9, 2025, when border police, in cooperation with officers from the Giurgiu Transport Police, discovered approximately 121,500 cigarettes. Some of these were hidden and undeclared.

In Romania, tobacco products can be brought from another EU member state for personal use, provided they fall within certain quantities – explains Nicoleta Bădiţă.

Nicoleta Bădiţă: Products purchased and transported by individuals are considered for personal use within the following quantitative limits: processed tobacco, cigarettes – 800 pieces, cigars with a maximum weight of three grams per piece – 400 pieces, cigars – 200 pieces, smoking tobacco – one kilogram.

Administrative sanctions start with a warning and can reach fines of up to 20,000 lei. If the limit of 10,000 cigarettes is exceeded, a criminal case is filed.