TMA launches campaign targeting illicit sellers

The Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association (TMA) has launched a new campaign to clamp down on illegal tobacco sales.

Appearing in five of the UK’s largest airports and Dover’s ferry terminal, the campaign will reach consumers directly, warning them that there are consequences for selling tobacco brought into the UK from abroad.

“Reselling tobacco bought overseas is not a victimless crime,” said Giles Roca, director general of the TMA. “[It] affects many hard-working independent shopkeepers who are deprived of legitimate tobacco sales and related footfall.

“As people head abroad for their summer holidays, we are taking the opportunity to remind them that it is illegal to bring back tobacco and sell it on in the UK.”

Anyone caught supplying non-UK duty paid tobacco to smokers, retailers, or any other individual or business could face a fine of up to £5,000, plus the full amount of the excise duty avoided, and a custodial sentence of up to seven years.

Click here to read more on Retail Express’ Smoke Them Out campaign, which aims to clamp down on the illegal tobacco trade.