Crackdown on Illicit Tobacco: India's 3.93 Crore Cigarette Seizure

Indian customs and revenue authorities seized 3.93 crore cigarette sticks to counter illicit tobacco trade. Up to June 2025, 61 cases of evasion involving Rs 104.38 crore were detected. Collaborating with the Health Ministry, India is implementing track and trace mechanisms as per WHO tobacco control protocols.

In a substantial move to curb the illicit tobacco trade, customs authorities along with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have seized approximately 3.93 crore cigarette sticks during the current fiscal year up to June. This action was disclosed to Parliament this Tuesday.

The Central Goods and Service Tax (CGST) zones and the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) further uncovered 61 instances involving tax evasion of tobacco products, including Guthka, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, and pan masala, amounting to approximately Rs 104.38 crore by June this fiscal year.

The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, revealed in a written Lok Sabha response that India is adhering to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and has ratified measures to end illicit trade in tobacco. Additionally, the Health Ministry is working with the Revenue Department to implement a track and trace system for tobacco products in line with WHO protocols.

(With inputs from agencies.)