17% of all cigarettes held by smokers in Ireland are illegal

Illicit cigarettes trade cost the Exchequer an estimated €384m in 2022 

A survey carried out on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners found that 17% of all cigarette packets in 2022 were illegal — up from 13% in 2021. 

The Revenue Commissioners have estimated that the illegal cigarette trade cost the Exchequer approximately €384 million in lost excise duty and VAT during 2022.

Despite a survey showing an increase in the prevalence of illegal cigarettes circulating in Ireland last year, Finance Minister Michael McGrath said he is satisfied that Revenue remains “very alert” to the threat that tobacco smuggling poses.