Consumption of illicit tobacco in the UK has risen, increasing to 3.61 billion in 2022, new research reveals.
The study by KPMG, commissioned by Philip Morris International, shows that despite overall cigarette consumption declining, illicit consumption rose by 3.1% in 2022 to reach 21.2% in the UK, with the Northeast of England seeing the highest concentration of counterfeit and contraband cigarettes.
Nearly 4 in 10 smokers say increased living costs have impacted their purchasing habits, where they are now choosing to buy ‘cheaper’ tobacco, the research reveals.
Cem Uzundal, Head of Field Force UK and Ireland for PML, said: “We’re concerned to see that the trade of illicit tobacco and nicotine-containing products in the UK is growing and more needs to be done to tackle the issue.
“Our undercover operatives regularly visit retail premises the length and breadth of the UK, gathering intelligence that’s shared with trading standards to assist their efforts, but we know they are understaffed and under-resourced. We, therefore, need to look at getting everyone working together.”
