(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 15 - The number of illicit cigarettes in
Italy decreased in 2019 compared to 2018: from 5.5 to 3.9 per
100. The estimate stands out in the 4th edition of the study
"Illicit trade in tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in
Italy. Between traditional channels and online platforms, an
evolving phenomenon in the year of the pandemic", published by
Intellegit and issued with the contribution of BAT, British
American Tobacco Italy. The study underlines that this is the
lowest figure in recent years, with Italy ranking 23rd among the
European states. Greece is in the lead, with more than 22
illicit cigarettes for every 100 smoked, followed by Ireland and
Lithuania with more than 17 illicit cigarettes. However,
smuggling is broadening due to the growth of new generation
products, such as heated tobacco and e-cigarettes: 4 out of 10
smokers have purchased e-liquid from unauthorized retailers.
Specifically, the study highlights that 1 out of 3 illicit
cigarettes in Italy is an "illicit white." These are trademarks
lawfully produced in non-EU countries but mainly intended for
the illicit market in the EU countries. This category accounted
for 36.4% of all cigarettes in Italy in 2019. Furthermore, 31.4%
of this type does not report specific information relating to
the country of origin, whereas 26.1% comes from "duty-free."
Analyzing the three years 2018-2020, it is evident that packages
of non-domestic origin come mainly from the duty-free channel
(42.9%), followed by Slovenia (30.3%), Spain (8.5%), Ukraine (7,
5%), Albania (7.1%) and Romania (4.7%). (ANSA).
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