The Empty Pack Survey by JTI Ireland, has found 53% of cigarette packs surveyed in Athlone avoided tax so far this year.
Over half of cigarette packs in a Westmeath town have avoided domestic tax so far this year.
The latest Empty Pack Survey by JTI Ireland, has found 53% of cigarette packs surveyed in Athlone are Non Irish duty paid ,
10% were illegal counterfeit cigarettes, manufactured without authorisation from the owners, with the intent to deceive consumers and to avoid paying tax.
Since 2018, the Irish exchequer has lost approximately €5 billion in tax revenue to NIDP products including around €1 billion last year alone.
Commenting on the findings, Daan van Hamersveld, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Ireland said:
“These findings show a significant issue with illegal counterfeit cigarettes in Athlone. The Government’s own figures show that illegal tobacco products cost the state over €750 million in lost taxes in 2025 alone, while at the same time undermining legitimate retailers and providing income for organised crime groups.
“When legal non-Irish duty paid products are included, retailers across the country are losing out on over €1 billion in lost turnover annually as smokers increasingly turn to lower priced illegal and other NIDP cigarettes. At the same time, the smoking rate has remained stable since 2019, suggesting smokers are simply seeking alternative channels in response to tax increases rather than quitting.[3]
“We would urge the Government to pair a more moderate approach to excise increases with stronger enforcement action against the criminal networks behind cigarette smuggling and counterfeiting to avoid further exacerbating this already serious situation.”
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