Massive Illegal Cigarette Factory Uncovered in Southern Bulgaria
Authorities have uncovered what is believed to be the largest illegal cigarette factory ever discovered in Bulgaria
From today - 20 May, a European Union regulation which establishes a traceability system for each box of cigarettes enters into force.
Each box of cigarettes manufactured or imported in Bulgaria must have a unique code which will allow its tracing to follow from the production to the customer.
The goal is to prevent illicit cigarette trade. The decision was made on 15th December 2017.
After May 20, manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and retailers may only operate if they are registered with the tobacco traceability system.
The online system operates in the BNB printing house since April 15th. Codes are free.
Legal entities and sole traders involved in the sale of tobacco products must be registered in the tobacco tracing system in order to obtain identification codes, both as traders (economic operators) and for their retail outlets. This means that if a legal person sells cigarettes in two stores, there must be three codes - for the company and for each of the stores.
Bulgaria has taken on new debt amounting to 150 million euros through the issuance of government securities, according to results published on the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) website.
In December 2025, Bulgaria’s industrial sector showed modest growth following two consecutive months of decline, yet on an annual basis, production fell for the 13th month in a row.
In December 2025, Bulgaria’s total exports of goods rose by 2.5% compared to the same month a year earlier, reaching 6.7364 billion leva (€3.44 billion), after a contraction of 4% in November.
Villages surrounding Plovdiv are increasingly hosting Nepalese workers, brought in by local entrepreneurs to address Bulgaria’s persistent labor shortages.
The first month following the introduction of the euro and the period of dual circulation with the lev has now ended, providing a clearer picture of how the transition is unfolding.
The annual campaign for filing personal income tax returns under Article 50 of the Personal Income Tax Act is underway
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