Dozens of taxpayers were penalized for non-compliance with the legislation on the sale of tobacco products.

In the course of February, the State Tax Service carried out a series of inspections during which 75 taxpayers were checked to see how they comply with the reference price, apply excise stamps and if they possess documents of origin for the cigarettes put up for sale, IPN reports.

In 41 cases, the violation of the tax legislation was found and fiscal penalties in the amount of over 230,000 lei were imposed.

Eighteen contravention cases were initiated over the violation of the rules of operation of cash registers and control equipment, with the imposed penalties totaling 42,200 lei.

Twelve contravention cases were started for the sale of cigarettes without proof of origin, and another 12 - for non-compliance with the provisions on the reference price of cigarettes.

Also, 1,029 packs of cigarettes were seized as part of the taken actions, including with signs of counterfeit excise stamps.

The fine for the absence of stamps on goods subject to excise duties and to mandatory marking or the use of forged or invalid stamps varies between 25,000 and 35,000 lei.