Tobacco in New Aquitaine: Counterfeiting Explodes in the Face of Rising Prices

The growth of the parallel market is worrying authorities. In 2024, a survey conducted by Imperial Brands Seita estimated that 20% of cigarette packs in Nouvelle-Aquitaine were counterfeit, a figure higher than the national average. Some retailers, faced with declining profitability, are even choosing to leave the industry. To stem the phenomenon, customs officials are stepping up controls, particularly in nighttime businesses. More than 1.7 tons of contraband tobacco were seized in 2024. However, reports such as the one funded by Philip Morris claim that 49% of cigarettes smoked in France come from the parallel market, a figure disputed by health authorities, who consider it exaggerated and biased.