Recent figures published by the Commission on Taxation indicated that the loss in tax revenue to the Irish government as a result of the illicit tobacco trade may be anywhere between half a billion and three quarters of a billion euro a year.
According to the Irish Director of Public Prosecutions 1 in 4 cigarettes are sold illegally.
Source: http://www.examiner.ie/ireland/idqlmhaumh/
In 2009, Irish customs made 10,600 seizures, amounting to 218 million cigarettes, with a value of more than €90 million. This represents an increase of 62% compared to the previous year.
Source: Revenue Annual Report 2009
In October 2009, a multi-agency operation, resulted in the seizure of over 120 million contraband cigarettes, the largest ever seizure of its type in Europe. The cigarettes had a retail value of about €50 million and represented lost revenue of approximately €40 million
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art icle-1223508/Biggest-haul-illegal-cigarettes-seized-en-route-Britain.html
Survey
The following information comes from a Philip Morris International (PMI) survey conducted in 2009 and provides an indication of the incidence of non-domestic (i.e. not intended for sale in Ireland) or counterfeit cigarettes in Ireland.
Incidence of non-domestic tobacco products in the EU, compiled in 2009
Key findings
In 2009, 29.4% of all cigarette packs collected/consumed in Ireland were non-domestic - one of the highest recorded levels in the EU.
Some locations show dramatic recent increases in the level of non-domestic packs
Tallaght 31% in 2009 (vs 24% in 2008)
Blanchardstown 35% in 2009 (vs 31% in 2008)
Galway 33% in 2009 (vs 29% in 2008)
Retailers have raised concerns about the levels of illegal cigarettes and the impact it is having on their business http://www.advertiser.ie/galway/article/27483
The scourge of illicit trade in tobacco in Ireland, has led to a number of small retailers joining forces to combat the issue. http://www.retailersagainstsmuggling.ie/?page_id=5
Irish Reports and Studies
Philip Morris International Study – 2009
Empty Pack Survey Report - Ireland
Click here for an extract of the report
In 2009, for the first time, tobacco products without any health warnings and unknown brands were found.
