Despite campaigns to tackle the issue, illicit tobacco trading is still affecting many communities across the UK.
Image Credit: Photo by Donald Tong from Pexels
The most-reported counterfeit goods in the UK last year were cigarettes and tobacco, according to a recent survey by the IPO. Counterfeit products are being sold in many places, including shops that look legit. So how do you know the tobacco products you are buying are legal? Education is key. Thankfully, there are many tell-tale signs of illicit products which we will share with you in this post.
What harm do illegal tobacco products cause?
Illicit tobacco products can cause harm to an individual’s health, increase crime in local communities and put a dent in the national purse as a result of lost tax revenue. The illegal tobacco market undermines tobacco control measures such as age restriction and taxation. There is concern that the unrestricted nature of counterfeit cigarettes makes them more accessible and affordable for minors.
Experts claim that counterfeit tobacco products may cause more harm to health, compared with regulated products, because they contain harmful additives. It is also believed that those involved in the illicit tobacco trade are also often connected to organised crime gangs. There is concern that the revenue from the illegal trade could be funding more serious crimes including terrorism, people trafficking, drug supply and modern slavery.
For the reasons mentioned above, it’s essential to make sure you are buying legal tobacco products. If you’re looking for alternative products, there are legitimate ones out there, such as buying legal snus online. If you do have products such as the popular snus delivered, make sure you are buying from a reputable, legit site. You don’t need to resort to the illegal tobacco market.
Question the price
A pack of 20 cigarettes purchased legitimately in the UK will set you back between £8.80 and upwards of £15. They are expensive because the UK government heavily taxes them. Anywhere between 80% and 90% of the cost of a pack of cigarettes is tax.
In contrast, illicit tobacco products are sold for much lower prices because the tax is not paid on them. A packet of 20 counterfeit cigarettes can be sold for anywhere between £3 and £7. If you are offered cigarettes at this price in a shop, it is likely they are not selling you a legitimate product.
Check the packaging
Back in May 2016, standardised packaging was introduced in the UK. When comparing counterfeit tobacco products to legal ones, the packaging is a clear indicator. To be legally compliant, tobacco products must adhere to these rules:
- Large health warnings covering 65% of the front and back of packs
- No misleading information such as ‘organic’ or ‘low tar.’
- Plain packaging that is dark in colour with standard font brand name
- Top opening packs only
- No perfume or lipstick packs
- Packs sold in with a minimum of 20 cigarettes
- Graphic health picture at the top of pack
Things to look out for on illegal packaging include:
- Branded packaging
- Packaging with no health warnings, old-style health warnings or health warnings in a foreign language
- Foreign brand names
- Unusual brand names you have not heard of before
Undercounter products
One of the easiest ways to know you are being sold something dodgy is the behaviour of the person selling it to you. Legitimate tobacco products are stored in a specific area behind the till which is now required by law to be covered until someone requests an item. Illicit products will be hidden from view in case representatives of law enforcement agencies happen to wander in.
If the salesperson provides you with cigarettes from under the counter or out the back of the shop, they could very well be illegal. You may even be asked to wait whilst they leave the store and go somewhere nearby to collect the cigarettes. This is a sure sign they aren’t legit and trying to avoid detection.
Cheap cigarettes may seem appealing, but they are doing nobody any favours in the long run. By following these tips, you won’t be caught out by the illegal tobacco traders.
