According to Dutch News, on July 12, customs officials successfully seized 8 million illegal cigarettes in a warehouse in Someren, North Brabant, Netherlands. The cigarettes were found stored on 22 pallets without tax stamps, indicating potential tax evasion. If these untaxed cigarettes were to enter the market, it is estimated that the Dutch Ministry of Finance could lose approximately 3.6 million euros in customs revenue.
In this operation, two suspects have been arrested, including a 45-year-old Polish citizen and a 47-year-old resident of Heerhugowaard. This seizure is part of the government's efforts to strengthen tobacco control measures. Previously, the Dutch government has raised tobacco taxes to curb smoking behavior. Earlier this year, the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes rose by nearly 1 euro to 11.10 euros.
Although raising tobacco taxes helps encourage quitting smoking, a study released last month by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health shows that smuggling activities are also increasing accordingly. Researchers collect and analyze discarded cigarette packs through biennial surveys to monitor smokers' behavior patterns.
According to a survey conducted in 2021, 15% of empty cigarette packs contain tobacco on which Dutch tobacco tax has not been paid. However, this figure increased to 25% last year. While nearly 19% of tobacco is purchased from other countries, 4% consists of counterfeit or smuggled tobacco, a significant increase compared to 1% two years ago.
A study by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has revealed that approximately 10% of tobacco consumption by smokers in the Netherlands is sourced from abroad, either through personal imports or through purchases made by others. These findings highlight the potential threat of tobacco smuggling to public finances and public health, and underscore the challenges faced by the government in combating illegal tobacco trade.
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