Figures from the 2010 state budget, citing the State Institute of Drugs and Alcohol (SIRUS), indicate that approximately 40% of cigarettes and roll your own products do not pay tax in Norway This means an estimated excise revenue loss of NOK 4 billion (approx. USD 946 million) to the Norwegian government.

Source: Phillip Morris Norway internal estimates.

Norwegian Customs seized approximately 14 million cigarettes in 2009 vs 7.1 million in 2008.

Source: Norwegian Customs Statistics Confiscations 2005 to 2009.

The following information comes from Philip Morris International (PMI) surveys conducted in 2008/9 and provides an indication of the incidence of non-domestic (i.e. not intended for sale in Norway) or counterfeit cigarettes in Norway.

Incidence of non-domestic tobacco products in the EU and Norway, compiled in 2008/9

In 2009, Norway had the highest level of non-domestic cigarettes in Western Europe. The survey showed that more than 30% of all cigarettes smoked in urban areas in Norway, are purchased abroad or through illegal channels.

A significant portion of the non-domestic cigarettes found in Norway come from Eastern and Central Europe and the Balkans, mostly from Poland, Russia and Lithuania.

The highest incidence of non-domestic cigarettes, were found in the cities of Baerum (32%), Bergen (31%) and Fredrikstad (31%). The lowest incidence was recorded in Kristiansand (27%).

Click here for an extract of the report