What is illegal tobacco?
Illegal tobacco is tobacco or cigarettes that should not be sold in the UK, or are being sold in a way that breaks the law. This can include fake products, smuggled tobacco, duty-free products being resold, or cheap cigarettes sold to children.
The biggest concern is cheap tobacco keeping smoking within reach
Illegal tobacco is often sold at prices that make smoking cheaper and easier to keep up. It can be sold through shops, homes, pubs, online sellers and local networks, putting children, high streets and communities at risk.
930
UK reports involve illegal tobacco
Source: Latest reporting data updated May 26
74%
of reports name shops as the main setting
Source: Latest reporting data updated May 26
168
reports mention very low prices
Source: Latest reporting data updated May 26
222
reports describe hidden stock or concealment
Source: Latest reporting data updated May 26
Quick answer
Illegal tobacco is tobacco that should not be sold in the UK, or is being sold without following UK rules.
You do not need to know every detail. If something feels suspicious, you can report it.
Common examples
- Cheap cigarettes or tobacco sold under the counter
- Fake or counterfeit tobacco products
- Duty-free tobacco being resold locally
- Foreign-labelled packs not meant for UK sale
- Loose cigarettes or tobacco sold outside legal packaging
- Tobacco sold to anyone under 18
How to check tobacco products
You may not be able to confirm if tobacco is illegal just by looking at it. These signs can help you decide when something should be reported.
Unusually cheap prices
Very cheap cigarettes or hand rolling tobacco can be a warning sign, especially if products are sold for cash, under the counter, or through repeat local sellers.
Packaging that looks wrong
UK tobacco packaging should carry clear health warnings and standardised packaging. Packs with unusual branding, missing warnings, foreign labels, spelling mistakes, poor quality print, unusual smells or products that do not look right can be suspicious.
Hidden stock or unusual storage
Illegal tobacco is often kept out of sight, such as behind counters, in back rooms, vehicles, nearby homes, basements or hidden compartments.
Sold to children or without age checks
It is illegal to sell cigarettes or tobacco products to anyone under 18, or for adults to buy them for someone under 18.
Still not sure what to report?
What about duty-free tobacco?
Duty-free tobacco is not meant to be resold in shops, pubs, online groups or local networks. If someone is regularly selling duty-free cigarettes or tobacco, you can report it.
Do I need proof?
No. You can report a concern even if you are not completely sure. A shop name, location, product, price, seller, pattern or concern about children can still help.
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Where is it sold?
Illegal products can be sold through shops, homes, cars, pubs, markets, online sellers and local delivery.
Watch: what is illegal tobacco?
Suzanne Cass, Chief Executive of ASH Wales, explains the signs of illegal tobacco, including cheap cigarettes, fake products, duty free tobacco being resold and hidden stock.