Illegal cigarette trade reaching alarming proportions in the European Union
In 2025, a total of 41.8 billion illegal cigarettes were consumed in the European Union. This volume accounts for 10.3 percent of the total tobacco market, posing a serious economic and public health challenge for the member states.
According to reports in the French press, the problem has reached industrial proportions, and Hungary is also affected by these processes. Experts state that the production and distribution of illegal products cause significant revenue losses for state budgets, and furthermore, the quality and origin of goods sold on the black market are not monitored.
Authorities are continuously investigating illegal tobacco factories, which often operate in hidden locations. These organized criminal groups not only evade taxation but may also use dangerous substances of unknown composition during production.
European Union member states are planning closer cooperation to curb cross-border smuggling. The goal is to dismantle illegal networks and protect the legal market so that consumers can access tobacco products under safer conditions.
Overall, the 10.3 percent rate shows that the problem remains present and requires more effective action. Authorities are asking the public to avoid purchasing tobacco products from unknown sources.