Black market for cigarettes in Europe is growing, the Czech Republic also reports problems
A disturbing trend has been emerging in the European Union in recent years. Although the number of smokers in European countries is gradually declining, the black market for tobacco products is growing sharply. According to current data, more than one in ten cigarettes smoked within the EU now comes from illegal sources.
This increase in illegal trade poses a major problem for the national budgets of individual countries. Due to the sale of cigarettes outside official distribution networks, states are losing hundreds of billions of crowns in tax revenue. The Czech Republic is no exception in this regard and is facing similar challenges to other EU member states.
Experts point out that illegal cigarettes are often of poor quality and their production is not subject to any control. In addition to financial losses for the state, this phenomenon also poses a health risk to consumers who buy tobacco products outside of verified stores.
The situation in the tobacco market remains tense, and authorities are looking for ways to effectively curb illegal trade. The fight against the black market is a priority because, in addition to tax evasion, this problem is closely linked to organized crime, which is involved in the illegal distribution of cigarettes.