The number of contraband cigarettes
sold in Italy fell by just over 50% between 2012 and 2013,
according to a study commissioned by major international tobacco
companies and published Tuesday.
Some 3.68 billion cigarettes were sold illegally in Italy
in 2013 compared to 7.29 billion the year before, the study
conducted by international research institute Kpmg said.
The drop was partly due to increased law enforcement
activities especially in the southern city of Naples, the
Italian 'capital' for contraband goods.
However "low prices" for legal tobacco products and
"balanced fiscal policies" also made a difference, the study
said.
In absolute terms, "illegal consumption fell by 3.8% from
8.5% to 4.7% of total cigarette consumption," according to the
study.
One in ten cigarettes smoked in the European Union last
year came from an illegal source, the study said.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA