05.09.2021

According to the operator of the 2D digital code marking Center for the Development of Advanced Technologies, the share of illegal tobacco products in Russia for the year decreased by more than 30% and reached 8.09% of the total market at the end of June 2021.

At the same time, a year ago, the share of illegal products reached 12.7%.

The Center also noted that before the introduction of the ban on the sale of unmarked tobacco products, according to researchers, the level of illegal cigarette trafficking increased almost 13 times in five years (from 1% in 2016 to 12.7% in 2020).

According to the operator, the analysis of the marking system data also shows that there is an increase in the production of cigarettes for domestic consumption in Russia. In the first quarter of 2021, this indicator grew by 4% compared to the same period in 2020.

The study also notes that the downward trend in the share of products with counterfeit excise stamps continues, which is an indicator of the effectiveness of the marking system. At the same time, Belarus became the main source of illegal products, according to the study, and supplies from Kazakhstan increased.

Recall that 2D-marking of tobacco products has become mandatory in Russia since July 1, 2019. In 2020, it became mandatory for medicines, footwear, perfumes, photographic goods, and tires, and in 2021 – for certain groups of light industry and dairy products.