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Cigarettes are among the most illegally trafficked goods in the world. 

There are three main categories of illicit tobacco products: 

  • contraband: genuine products that are smuggled and sold illegally
  • counterfeit: copies of genuine products that are produced and sold illegally
  • illicit whites: tobacco products that are legally produced in one country with the sole intention of selling them in another country 

Illegal tobacco trade is a global issue. We are working with governments and other partners in the public and private sectors to address this problem. Read more about how we’re fighting illicit trade.


Learn more about illicit trade

Sustainability

Illicit trade prevention

Fighting illicit tobacco trade is a priority. Find out how PMI fights against this phenomenon.

STOP ILLEGAL blog

The STOP ILLEGAL blog is shedding light on all aspects of the illicit trade problem, and provides insights from experts around the world.

Sustainability

PMI IMPACT

4 min read

PMI’s global initiative aimed at fighting illegal trade and related crimes worldwide