Increase in Illegal Cigarette Consumption in Cyprus in 2024

A significant increase in the consumption of illegal cigarettes in Cyprus was recorded in 2024, reaching 14.3% of the total market. This is according to the annual report by KPMG on behalf of Philip Morris International.

This percentage is 3.29 percentage points higher compared to 2023, with a total consumption of 130 million illegal cigarettes. The loss of revenue for the state is estimated at 22 million euros.

In the European Union, the illegal cigarette market reached 38.9 billion pieces in 2024, causing a loss of revenue of 14.9 billion euros, an increase of 3.3 billion euros compared to last year. France has the highest percentage of illegal cigarettes (37.6%), followed by the Netherlands with 17.9%.

Christos Harpantidis of Philip Morris International stressed the negative impact of illegal trade on the economy, public health and safety.

Grigoris Kamberis, General Manager of Philip Morris Cyprus and Malta, stressed the seriousness of the problem and the need to take into account the national tax framework when revising the European tax directive on tobacco products.