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Stopping Illicit Trade

Illicit trade is a serious and prominent threat to Australian retailers.

Through smuggling, counterfeit and tax evasion, legitimate businesses are being undermined, consumers are being exposed to poorly made and unregulated products and the Australian government is losing billions in lost tax revenues.

This site is to allow retailers an opportunity to anonymously report those they suspect or know are selling illicit tobacco. This information will be collated and provided to police authorities to assist with their understanding of illicit crime problem areas so they can investigate and take action.

Speak up. Stop illicit trade. Protect Australian businesses.

What is illicit tobacco?

Illicit tobacco is tobacco that is grown, manufactured and/or produced in Australia without an appropriate excise licence, or imported into the domestic market without customs duty being paid.

As loose tobacco, it is commonly known as ‘chop-chop.’

In cigarettes, it is commonly known as contraband or counterfeit.

“Organised crime will permeate and infiltrate industries to exploit opportunities where there is the potential or actual realisation of securing massive profits from their illegal activities. There has been well-documented infiltration and involvement of criminal syndicates in other industries over the years and it is concerning to see evidence of criminal activity manifesting in the tobacco and vape industry.”

Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission

Types of Illicit Tobacco

The illegal tobacco trade falls broadly into four categories

Contraband

Genuine tobacco products that are produced for lawful distribution in their market of intended destination but illegally diverted into a different market.

Illicit Whites

Tobacco products that are generally legally produced in a market and which are smuggled into another market where they have limited or no legal distribution.