site.btaMost Illegal Cigarettes in Belgium Come from Bulgaria, Local Media Report

The largest share of illegally imported cigarettes in Belgium comes from Bulgaria, Belgian media reported on Thursday. Smuggling has increased significantly due to the rise in excise duties on tobacco products in Belgium.

In recent years, the average price of a pack of cigarettes in Belgium has risen from EUR 6.39 to EUR 10.57, a measure introduced to curb smoking. Authorities report, however, that the effect has been the opposite, as the illegal import of cheap cigarettes has increased, while at the same time the Belgian budget has lost EUR 692 million in revenue between 2020 and 2024. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 34.6% of cigarettes did not bring revenue to the budget, compared to 26.9% last year, according to a study.

Of the illegal cigarettes in Belgium, only 2.9% were counterfeit, while 31.7% were legally produced but imported in violation of the rules, which allow each traveler to carry up to two cartons of cigarettes in their luggage.

Of the illegally imported tobacco products, 45.4% came from Bulgaria, 14.7% from Luxembourg, where excise duties are significantly lower, and 7.8% from Turkiye. Significant imports were also reported from Romania, Morocco, and Albania. Experts noted that since some of these countries are not tourist destinations, this points to organized smuggling.

Cigarette Manufacturers of Belgium and Luxembourg association believes that the more excise duties increase, the greater the opportunities for criminal networks. The organization calls on the Belgian government to reconsider its approach to excise duties and restrictions on e-cigarettes.