OLAF and partners strengthen efforts against tobacco smuggling

The European Anti-Fraud office (OLAF), in cooperation with the Irish Revenue - Tax and Customs, organised the annual OLAF Tobacco Conference from 8-10 October in Dublin, Ireland. The event brought together over 90 representatives from key stakeholders including customs and national police authorities of EU member states and third countries, the World Customs Organization, EUROPOL and representatives from the industry.

Participants discussed strategies and latest trends and exchanged best practices in order to enhance international cooperation in combating tobacco smuggling. During the conference, OLAF presented an overview of developments on water pipe tobacco and new generation tobacco products. These new products, which include tobacco pouches, heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, have gained popularity among consumers in recent years, especially young consumers, as alternatives to traditional cigarettes. This trend presents a unique challenge for regulators and enforcement agencies. 

The illegal tobacco trade poses a significant threat to public health, deprives the EU and member states of substantial tax revenues and fuels organised crime networks. It undermines anti-smoking and public health campaigns, and violates the strict rules that the EU and Member States have on manufacturing, distribution and sale. In 2023, international operations involving the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) led to the seizure of 616 million illicit cigarettes, 140 tonnes of raw tobacco and 6 tonnes of water pipe tobacco, saving an estimated €150 million in revenue loss in the EU.

The global nature of tobacco smuggling requires a united response. The goal of the conference was to build stronger, more robust and coordinated international efforts to combat the illegal tobacco trade, thereby protecting public health, safeguarding revenues, and disrupting the illicit networks involved in smuggling operations.