Philip Morris International warns of increasing rates of illicit cigarette consumption in the EU

A new report by KPMG commissioned by Philip Morris International (PMI) has found that illicit cigarette consumption in the EU has increased by 8.5% in 2022, reaching 35.8 billion cigarettes. This represents a loss of €11.3 billion in tax revenue for governments. The report found that the vast majority of counterfeit cigarettes (61.5%) were consumed in France. Other countries with high levels of illicit cigarette consumption include Ukraine, the UK, and Belgium. PMI has called on governments to reassess their policies on tobacco control, arguing that some current policies are contributing to the growth of the illicit market. The company has also called for more innovative approaches to be considered, such as the introduction of smoke-free products. Key takeaways from the press release:

• Illicit cigarette consumption in the EU has increased by 8.5% in 2022.
• This represents a loss of €11.3 billion in tax revenue for governments.
• The vast majority of counterfeit cigarettes (61.5%) were consumed in France.
• PMI has called on governments to reassess their policies on tobacco control.
• The company has also called for more innovative approaches to be considered, such as the introduction of smoke-free products.