Analysts of the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine discussed the specifics and methodology of monitoring illegal trade in tobacco products with representatives of Kantar Ukraine and the "Ukrtyutyun" association.

During the meeting, Kantar Ukraine analyst Tetyana Sverdlyk spoke about the research algorithm and noted that 32% of the adult population of Ukraine are consumers of tobacco products. The monitoring itself is conducted four times a year throughout Ukraine and is based on a survey of 3,000 smokers.

The participants also analyzed the impact on the excise goods market of the recently adopted law banning the sale and production of Duty-Free cigarettes in Ukraine.

According to Kantar analysts, this initiative will contribute to the reduction of products with such labeling, and the first results of its implementation will be reflected in the April study. However, the agency's specialists have already recorded a significant decrease in the share of tobacco products labeled Duty Free.

In turn, the analysts of the Economic Security Bureau told the participants of the event about the results of combating the illegal circulation of excise goods.

In particular, since the creation of the interdepartmental working group, law enforcement officers have seized more than 14 million packs of cigarettes. Of these, more than 8.8 million were seized by the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine. In addition, detectives seized 380,000 electronic cigarettes and more than 69 tons of tobacco.

Kantar also notes the positive impact of the work of law enforcement agencies on reducing the share of the illegal cigarette market.

We will remind you, that earlier the representatives of legal producers of tobacco products emphasized the importance of a constructive dialogue between the departments and the association and also expressed gratitude to the law enforcement officers for systematic opposition to the illegal tobacco market.

For reference: in September 2023, the Prime Minister of Ukraine gave an order to intensify the fight against the illegal circulation of excise goods, that is, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, etc.

An interdepartmental working group was created to fulfill the mandate. It included the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine, the State Tax Service of Ukraine, the State Customs Service of Ukraine, the State Audit Service of Ukraine, and other law enforcement agencies. The ESBU coordinates the work of the group.