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Tobacco: BAT, in Italy 3.9 illicit cigarettes per 100

(ANSA) - ROME, JUN 15 - The number of illicit cigarettes in Italy decreased in 2019 compared to 2018: from 5.5 to 3.9 per 100. The estimate stands out in the 4th edition of the study "Illicit trade in tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in Italy. Between traditional channels and online platforms, an evolving phenomenon in the year of the pandemic", published by Intellegit and issued with the contribution of BAT, British American Tobacco Italy. The study underlines that this is the lowest figure in recent years, with Italy ranking 23rd among the European states. Greece is in the lead, with more than 22 illicit cigarettes for every 100 smoked, followed by Ireland and Lithuania with more than 17 illicit cigarettes. However, smuggling is broadening due to the growth of new generation products, such as heated tobacco and e-cigarettes: 4 out of 10 smokers have purchased e-liquid from unauthorized retailers. Specifically, the study highlights that 1 out of 3 illicit cigarettes in Italy is an "illicit white." These are trademarks lawfully produced in non-EU countries but mainly intended for the illicit market in the EU countries. This category accounted for 36.4% of all cigarettes in Italy in 2019. Furthermore, 31.4% of this type does not report specific information relating to the country of origin, whereas 26.1% comes from "duty-free." Analyzing the three years 2018-2020, it is evident that packages of non-domestic origin come mainly from the duty-free channel (42.9%), followed by Slovenia (30.3%), Spain (8.5%), Ukraine (7, 5%), Albania (7.1%) and Romania (4.7%). (ANSA).