Survey Findings – illicit trade tobacco consumption
The Tobacco Manufacturers’ Association (TMA) has conducted its annual nationwide survey to gather insights into public attitudes, awareness, and understanding of illicit tobacco.
The TMA Anti-Illicit Trade Survey 2025 provides an updated picture of the extent and characteristics of the illicit tobacco market across the UK.
Please see the following documents:
Media release accompanying the publication of the TMA Anti-Illicit Trade Survey 2025
One-page summary of the TMA Anti-Illicit Trade Survey 2025
UK edition of the TMA Anti-Illicit Trade Survey 2025
Scotland edition of the TMA Anti-Illicit Trade Survey 2025
Key findings from the 2025 survey include:
Prevalence of illicit tobacco purchases
20% of respondents across the UK reported buying illicit tobacco every week.
Even in regions with the lowest reported levels (South West, Scotland, and Wales), 12% of smokers said they bought illicit tobacco weekly.
Popular illicit brands
12% of respondents across the UK said they had purchased the brand Manchester, an ‘illicit white’ brand manufactured in Dubai primarily for sale through unauthorised channels internationally.
Public perceptions of enforcement and criminal links
While enforcement against illicit tobacco is generally led by Trading Standards and HMRC with Police support, respondents expressed a view that the Police should play a more prominent role.
53% of smokers said they would contact the Police with information about illicit tobacco sales.
63% agreed that illicit tobacco is linked to organised criminal activity, and around half believed the same groups involved in drug trafficking also sell illicit tobacco.
69% felt that access to cheap illicit tobacco makes it easier for young people to start smoking.
Price differentials as a market driver
Price differences remain a key factor influencing the demand for illicit tobacco.
The typical price of a 20-pack of illicit cigarettes reported by respondents ranged from £3.00 to £6.00, compared with an average retail price of £16.60 for legal cigarettes (ONS).
For hand-rolling tobacco, respondents reported paying £5.00 to £8.00 for 50g of illicit product, compared with an average legal retail price of £40.09 (Tesco.com).