Illicit trade of cigarettes in Moldova at 9.8% in 2024
During September-October 2024, the illicit trade of cigarettes in the Republic of Moldova constituted 9.8%, registering a decrease of 1.9 percentage points compared to September-October 2023, according to the IPSOS study data.
The research results show that the main source of illicit trade are cigarettes of unknown origin, uncompliant with the law or/and which copy an authentic brand without authorization, their share is 5.8%. At the same time, the study reveals a significant increase in illicit trade of cigarettes without an excise stamp, i.e., "illicit whites", their share is 3.0%, an increase of 2.3 percentage points. The share of tobacco products intended for sale in countries other than Moldova, i.e., "non-domestic duty-paid, is 0.6%, and of cigarettes of "duty-free" origin - 0.4%.
