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Combating the import of and trade in illegal cigarettes

The illegal tobacco trade is not only an economic problem. It also involves tax evasion and trademark infringement. And illegal cigarettes are often even more harmful to health than those sold legally.

Combating cigarette smuggling

Customs and the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) work with industry partners in the fight against smuggling and illegal trading. They include:

  • trade associations in the tobacco industry;
  • the Cigarette Industry Foundation (SSI);
  • the Netherlands Fine Cut Tobacco Industry Association (VNK);
  • major Dutch producers of tobacco products.

Overview of illegal cigarettes seized

The Ministry of Finance publishes an annual overview of the illegal cigarettes that have been seized (in Dutch). This overview also includes the suspected countries of origin and destination of the cigarettes.