a CONCERNING
SITUATION
The consumption of cigarettes not originating from the legal network of French tobacconists has exploded in recent years. It has now reached record levels, with the share of counterfeit cigarettes constantly increasing, accounting for around 20% of cigarettes consumed today. Behind this counterfeiting, we find criminal networks and products that do not comply with European manufacturing standards.
SOME KEY FIGURES ON THE CURRENT SITUATION
OF CIGARETTES CONSUMED IN FRANCE
COME FROM THE PARALLEL MARKET (INCLUDING COUNTERFEITS)
Source: Empty Pack Survey, France Q2 2025, WSPM Group, September 2025.
ILLEGAL CIGARETTE MANUFACTURING SITES DISMANTLED
WITHIN THE EUROPEAN UNION IN 2024
Source: EMPACT 2024 Results Factsheets, Europol, September 2025.
TONNES OF TOBACCO SEIZED, 19% OF WHICH WAS COUNTERFEIT
IN 2024
Source: Annual Customs Report 2024, DGDDI, March 2025
THE PRESS
COVERS IT
TELL A REAL FROM A FAKE
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
- A branded, colourful packet purchased in France is, in most cases, counterfeit. Please note that since 2016, cigarette packets in France have been plain.
- It’s a pack from the parallel market if it does not include any traceability code (alphanumeric code plus QR code) or if it includes a traceability code identical to another pack.
-
It’s a pack from the parallel market if there are foreign language markings on the pack.
- Price is a good indicator. Counterfeit packs are often sold for less than €10. They can also be more expensive, particularly in grocery stores compared to street vendors.
EXPLORE OUR CAMPAIGN AGAINST
THE ILLEGAL SALE OF CIGARETTES
Dive into our prevention campaign and discover how the fight against the illegal sale of tobacco is organized and deployed in our territory.
THE RISKS INVOLVED
WHEN BUYING
COUNTERFEIT CIGARETTES
HEALTH RISKS
While it is undeniable that legal cigarettes are dangerous for health, they nevertheless comply with precise manufacturing standards set by French and European authorities. Counterfeit cigarettes are manufactured under unsanitary conditions, outside of any control and without adherence to these manufacturing standards.
POSSIBLE LEGAL SANCTIONS
- Since December 20, 2019, the purchase of tobacco from street vendors is punishable by a fixed fine of €135.
- Similarly, the purchase of tobacco products online (including on social media) is prohibited by law and subject to significant penalties.
THE ACTIONS OF THE
PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
THIS ANTI-COUNTERFEITING FIGHT IS A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT
AND THE ACTION OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES IS ESSENTIAL
PER YEAR IN FRANCE
Source: Tobacco evading national taxation, Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI) and Interministerial Mission for Combating Drugs and Addictive Behavior (MILDECA), October 2025.