Progress report on the implementation of the Commission Communication. Stepping up the fight against cigarette smuggling and other forms of illicit trade in tobacco products – a comprehensive EU strategy
Abstract
Cigarette smuggling has been a major concern in Europe for some time. The illicit tobacco trade makes cigarettes available at prices lower than those set to discourage smoking. At the same time, illicit products typically do not comply with product regulation, such as labelling. The illicit tobacco trade also causes considerable losses to public revenue: if all cigarettes sold on the black market were sold legally, the budget of the EU and its Member States would receive above EUR 10 billion annually. Last but not least, cigarette smuggling is a source of revenue for organised criminal groups from Europe and beyond, and there are indications that in some instances it is also linked to financing terrorism. Fighting the illicit tobacco trade is therefore also key to protecting the security of the EU.
