Illegal cigarette seizures almost double in 2023
The CSNA has reported that nearly €100 million worth of illegal cigarettes were seized last year - almost twice the recent annual average
Print14 February 2025
The value of illegal cigarettes seized in 2023 reached nearly €100 million, almost twice the average confiscated over the previous three years, according to the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA).
Separate surveys of smokers indicate that approximately 33 million packs of illegal cigarettes were purchased last year, accounting for nearly 19% of the total cigarette market. This illicit trade is estimated to have cost the State around €422 million in lost excise and VAT revenue.
Illicit tobacco trade
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe highlighted Revenue’s “considerable success” in tackling the illegal tobacco market, citing a 62% increase in seizures in 2024 compared to 2023 and a 118% rise from 2022.
The CSNA noted that recent data suggests smugglers are moving larger consignments than in previous years:
- Three million cigarettes seized in 4,920 operations, valued at €95.6m
- Five million cigarettes confiscated across 5,164 seizures, worth €55.7m
- Six million cigarettes intercepted in 5,431 seizures, valued at €39.5m
Revenue also confiscated 39.4 tonnes of tobacco in 2024, with an estimated value of €32.6m.
Prosecutions and penalties
Mr. Donohoe reported that courts imposed 75 summary convictions last year, resulting in total fines of €189,277 – an average of €2,524 per case.
He expressed confidence that Revenue remains vigilant about the impact of tobacco smuggling on public health, legitimate businesses, and state finances.
Despite annual tax increases helping to maintain overall tobacco tax revenues above €1 billion, the minister acknowledged a recent “noticeable decline” in receipts.
To monitor the scale of illicit cigarette consumption, Revenue and the HSE’s National Tobacco Control Office have commissioned surveys among smokers. The latest Ipsos MRBI survey found that 19% of cigarettes consumed in 2023 – equivalent to 32.9 million packs – were illicit.
Comparable figures indicate that 31.7 million illegal packs were bought in 2022 (€384m value) and 22.7 million in 2021 (€264m value).
Major seizures
Among the most significant operations in 2024 was the interception of eight million cigarettes by Revenue officers in County Meath last October, followed by another eight million seized at Dublin Port the same month.
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