What Is Illegal Tobacco?
What Is Illegal Tobacco
Illegal tobacco refers to any tobacco product sold in the UK without following the law, including taxes. Illegal tobacco takes all shapes and forms. It is sometimes called ‘illicit’ tobacco and refers to illegal cigarettes and rolling tobacco pouches. The most common forms are:
Fake Brands
These might look like a popular brand, but they’re made illegally.
Smuggled
Also known as "illicit whites," or "cheap whites" these are foreign brands brought into the UK illegally and sold on the black market.
Bootlegged
Smuggled into the UK with no-duty paid (packages often display foreign languages and a lack of health warnings).
Sold Individually
Selling cigarettes one by one is illegal in many places. If you see someone selling individual cigarettes, it’s likely illegal.
How To Spot It?
No Picture Health Warnings
Legal cigarette packs must have big, clear health warnings with pictures. If the pack doesn’t have these, it might be fake.
Non-Standardised Packaging
Cigarette packs should all look plain and standardised. If you see brightly branded or fancy packs, they’re probably illegal.
Foreign Language Health Warnings
If the health warnings on the pack are in another language, it’s likely illegal.
Identical Codes on Packs
Each pack should have a different code. If you see packs with the same code on the bottom, they’re probably fake.
Unusually Low Prices
If a pack of 20 cigarettes costs just £4 or £5, it’s likely illegal because legal cigarettes are more expensive.
Sales in Uncommon Locations
Cigarettes sold in places like pubs, carboot sales, or from someone’s home are probably illegal.
Where Is It Sold?
Illegal tobacco can turn up in places you might not expect. Around 39% of illegal tobacco sales happen in private homes, 19% in pubs or clubs, and 11% in small shops. For young people who smoke, it’s often given to them by friends or family (39%), and it can also be found in schools (17%) and in shops (11%). Here are some common spots:
Shops
Private homes
Pubs/Clubs
Social Media
Car-boots
On The Streets
Latest Updates
Check out our latest updates to see how illegal tobacco and vapes impact real lives—and how your reports can make a difference.
