Retailer lobby group warns of surge in cigarette and medicine smuggling | The Irish Times

Retailers Against Smuggling calls on incoming government to tackle rising illicit trade

27 December 2024

A survey published earlier this year by the Revenue Commissioners found 34 per cent of cigarettes in circulation in Ireland were non-duty paid.

The number of Irish smokers buying cigarettes from overseas and avoiding taxes as a result climbed significantly over the course of the year, according to a survey conducted by a retail lobby group.

Some 58 per cent of Irish cigarette smokers bought from abroad in 2024 up 13 per cent since March, according to an Ireland Thinks poll conducted on behalf of Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS).

The survey also found that 11 per cent of consumers bought medicines or supplements from unofficial or irregular sellers over the past 12 months, up from 7 per cent in March.

The group called on the incoming government to tackle the rising illicit trade in medicines and cigarettes which it says is “posing serious business risks to small Irish retailers, from convenience stores and forecourts to local pharmacies”.

It said the poll reinforced “anecdotal feedback from retailers around Ireland who have observed how the circulation of illegal tobacco has surged” this year.

A separate survey published earlier this year by the Revenue Commissioners found 34 per cent of cigarettes in circulation in Ireland were non-duty paid.

RAS spokesman Benny Gilsenan said Ireland’s street are “flooded” with tobacco products on which duty was not paid.

He said the problem “shows no sign of abating” and the incoming government must “commit to taking action against smuggling and the illicit trade” of such products.

Due to rising tobacco prices, Mr Gilsenan said “it’s no surprise that consumers are turning to the importation of cheaper products from abroad”.

In addition to the loss to the exchequer, he said the trend of people buying cigarettes in breach of duty-free allowances or medicines from unlicensed sources “poses serious risks to legitimate Irish retailers as well as to consumers who are potentially putting their health at risk”.