Rise in Illicit Sales of Electronic Cigarettes Amidst Decrease in Cigarette Smuggling

Cigarette smuggling has decreased sharply, but illegal sales of electronic cigarettes have significantly increased. This is the conclusion of a study carried out by the startup company Intellegit at Trento University. The impact of the economic crisis and the war in Ukraine may cause this number to increase again in the coming fall and winter seasons.

In the ranking of illegal consumption rates in Europe, Italy ranks 27th out of 30 with a share of 2.2%, while France and Greece are at 29% and 24%, respectively. In 2021, illegal trade of new-generation products is increasing, especially for e-cigarettes and various inhalable liquids on the internet. In terms of absolute value, the value of illegally imported pods and e-cigarette oil is only a small fraction of tobacco revenue, making it a more profitable business for criminal organizations. Most smuggled products pass through customs in Udine (33.8%) and Trieste (21.5%); in fact, 33% come from East Europe and the Balkans.

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