09-07-2025
Illicit cigarettes availability in stores increases
JOHANNESBURG - New Ipsos research shows that the availability of illicit cigarette in South Africa has reached its highest levels on record.
Over 75-percent of shops countrywide are now selling cigarettes below the threshold applicable to a pack of 20.
Approximately R28-billion in annual tax revenue is being lost to illicit trade: enough to exceed SARS's entire additional collection target of R20-billion.
Despite increased raids and product seizures over the past year, illicit cigarette availability has continued to grow.
The industry is calling for urgent reforms in the industry to curb the trade.
Tax Justice South Africa is calling for more to be done to nip this issue in the bud.
