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Category: Around the Industry

  • Ireland Customs Seizes 11M Illegal Cigarettes

    Ireland Customs Seizes 11M Illegal Cigarettes

    Revenue officers in Ireland seized about 11.4 million illicit cigarettes at Dublin Port following a targeted inspection on April 30. The shipment, which arrived from Rotterdam and was declared as cardboard packaging, was flagged through routine risk profiling and uncovered with the assistance of a detector dog and mobile X-ray scanner. The cigarettes, including brands such as Lambert & Butler Silver, Superkings Blue, and Richmond, are estimated to be worth more than €10.8 million, with a potential tax loss to the state of over €8.4 million.

    Authorities said investigations are ongoing and noted the seizure forms part of broader efforts to combat illegal tobacco trade and the shadow economy.

  • 5th Circuit Considering if FDA Overstepped in Vape Flavor Regs

    5th Circuit Considering if FDA Overstepped in Vape Flavor Regs

    A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit heard oral arguments this week in a case brought by seven small vape-liquid companies challenging the FDA’s denial of marketing authorization for flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems. The companies argue the FDA rejected their applications based on a comparative efficacy requirement they say was not disclosed before the 2020 PMTA deadline, in violation of the Tobacco Control Act.

    The FDA defended the denials, saying manufacturers must prove their specific products are appropriate for the protection of public health. Government counsel argued that non-tobacco flavors add youth-use risk and that applicants failed to show added adult switching benefits over tobacco-flavored products.

    The panel questioned both sides on whether the FDA’s approach was lawful adjudication or rulemaking in practice. Courthouse News Service said, this “ruling could affect thousands of pending applications and clarify how much procedural leeway the FDA has when reviewing the flood of vape products submitted after the 2020 PMTA deadline.”

  • Aussies Seize Huge Illicit Haul in Retailer Raids

    Aussies Seize Huge Illicit Haul in Retailer Raids

    Authorities in Canberra, Australia, seized more than 455,000 illicit cigarettes, along with 26 kg of loose-leaf tobacco, 6,000 cigars, more than 1,600 vapes, and about $27,000 in cash following coordinated raids on six retail outlets. The operation, led by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government and Australian Border Force with support from ACT Policing, also identified six people of interest linked to the illicit tobacco trade. The total seizure could be worth as much as A$580,000 ($418,000).

    Officials said the enforcement action reflects growing concern about the scale of Australia’s black market, estimated at roughly A$10 billion ($7.2 billion), and its links to organized crime. ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the impact on communities and legitimate retailers, while police highlighted the role of asset seizures in disrupting illegal activity.

  • JTI Malaysia: Illicit Cigarettes Dominate as Price Gap Widens

    JTI Malaysia: Illicit Cigarettes Dominate as Price Gap Widens

    “Cost pressure means consumers often cannot afford to think about safety,” was the message from Joseph Anak Janting, president of Malaysia’s Dayak Transformation Association (TRADA). The comment came as officials examined the nation’s thriving illicit tobacco market, not just its financial impact, but also the unknown ingredients being ingested from unregulated products.

    Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Malaysia released data today (April 30) that shows 57% of the Malaysian tobacco market is illicit, a number that climbs near 80% in regions such as Sabah and Sarawak, where the market is driven by a significant price gap. Legal cigarettes cost over RM20 ($5) per pack compared to illicit products that sell for as little as RM4 to RM8 ($1 to $2), following recent excise tax increases and retail restrictions. In Sarawak, where the average monthly household income is RM5,504 ($1,376) and rural incomes are significantly lower, Janting said the price gap is not a minor consideration; it is the difference between affording cigarettes and not affording them.

    JTI identified three primary categories of illicit products: counterfeit tax-stamp cigarettes, which have doubled to 16% market share since 2023; smuggled “whites” lacking tax stamps; and illegally imported kretek cigarettes. Officials said expansion of the illicit trade is contributing to an estimated RM4 billion in annual lost tax revenue, with enforcement challenges compounded by cross-border smuggling and counterfeit production networks.

  • Singapore’s Smoking Rates Fall as Costs Rise

    Singapore’s Smoking Rates Fall as Costs Rise

    Singapore’s Department of Statistics reported that from 2013 to 2023, the number of households that spent money on tobacco products dropped from 17% to 9%. Those who continued using tobacco saw their monthly spend increase from S$224 to S$255 ($165.76  to $188.70) over the same period, with higher costs largely attributed to repeated excise tax hikes. Officials said lower-income households remain disproportionately impacted, with tobacco accounting for about 5% of monthly expenditures for the lowest income group, compared to 2.3% for the highest.

  • PCA Announces 2027 Dates in Las Vegas

    PCA Announces 2027 Dates in Las Vegas

    The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced dates for its 2027 trade show, scheduled for March 5–8 in Las Vegas. The announcement came following the successful conclusion of PCA26, held last week in New Orleans. The 2026 event drew 262 exhibitors, nearly 2,540 retailers from 970 accounts, and more than 5,900 total attendees, reflecting continued growth and engagement across the premium cigar sector.

    PCA leadership pointed to strong business activity and participation as a foundation for next year’s event. “The energy on the show floor, the quality of business being done, and the enthusiasm from our members made it clear that this was one of the most impactful trade shows in recent history,” said CEO Joshua Habursky, highlighting momentum heading into 2027.

  • Thailand Police Bust $5.5M Vape Network

    Thailand Police Bust $5.5M Vape Network

    Thai authorities dismantled a large-scale online e-cigarette distribution network following a warehouse raid in Samut Prakan, seizing more than 20,000 vape products valued at over THB200 million ($5.5 million) and arresting seven suspects. Investigators said the operation, linked to online sales through a platform identified as “Shisha Chic,” was processing over 1,000 orders daily, generating several million baht in daily cash flow.

    Police said the suspects were employees responsible for packing and distributing products, while efforts are ongoing to identify and prosecute the network’s organizers. Authorities are also considering action under anti-money laundering laws and have signaled further nationwide crackdowns targeting online sellers, distributors, and illicit retail operations.

  • Union Seeks Dismissal of ITG Challenge in Retiree Health Dispute

    Union Seeks Dismissal of ITG Challenge in Retiree Health Dispute

    A tobacco workers’ union is asking a North Carolina federal court to dismiss ITG Brands’ attempt to overturn a November 2025 arbitration ruling on retiree healthcare benefits. The Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM) Local 317-T argues the company’s legal challenge was improperly filed and does not comply with required procedures under the Federal Arbitration Act.

    The dispute stems from an arbitration decision issued by arbitrator Dennis Nolan in favor of the union for a yet-to-be-disclosed amount, which ITG Brands is seeking to vacate. The union maintains that, because the filing was procedurally flawed, the court should reject the challenge and allow the arbitration award to stand. The case remains active in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

  • Texas Smoke Shops Blame Supplier Over Raids, Frozen Funds

    Texas Smoke Shops Blame Supplier Over Raids, Frozen Funds

    Two Texas smoke shop owners have filed a lawsuit against vape supplier Delta Munchies LLC, alleging the company sold them products containing illegal levels of THC while marketing them as compliant hemp. According to the complaint, the shops were subsequently subjected to police raids, arrests, and the freezing of nearly $5 million in business funds after authorities determined the products violated state law.

    The plaintiffs argue they relied on the supplier’s representations that the products were legal and are seeking damages for financial losses and legal consequences stemming from the enforcement actions.

  • Cyprus Retailers Warn Tax Hikes Could Boost Illicit Tobacco Trade

    Cyprus Retailers Warn Tax Hikes Could Boost Illicit Tobacco Trade

    Kiosk owners in Cyprus are warning that proposed tobacco tax increases could drive consumers toward illegal markets, particularly via the island’s northern region, where price disparities already influence purchasing behavior. Industry estimates suggest that about 13% of cigarette consumption and 53% of rolling tobacco consumption currently comes from the north, with further increases expected if taxes rise.

    Retailers say planned EU-driven excise adjustments could push cigarette prices from around €4.50–€5 to as high as €8–€8.50 per pack, potentially accelerating the shift to untaxed products. The sector estimates illicit trade already costs the government more than €50 million annually and is calling for policy flexibility, stronger enforcement and phased implementation to mitigate further losses.