WHAT IS ILLEGAL TOBACCO?
Illegal tobacco is any tobacco product that’s sold in a way that breaks the law. It often looks like the real thing but is not taxed.
WHAT TYPES ARE THERE?
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, car-boot sales, or from someone’s home or car are probably illegal.
