Concerns That Removal of Dublin Airport Passenger Cap Could Fuel Illicit Tobacco Smuggling - 14/01/2026

Retailers Against Smuggling has expressed disappointment at the latest headline figures from the Revenue Commissioners, which show a sharp decline in both the volume and value of cigarette and tobacco seizures in 2025 compared with 2024. With the Dublin Airport passenger cap being removed later this year, RAS warns that tobacco smuggling will increase unchecked. Yet, Revenue’s own Illegal Tobacco Products Research Survey 2024 found that over one third of cigarette packs (37%) in circulation carried no Irish excise duty, either because they were illicit or purchased outside the State. This marks an increase from 34% in 2023. When Roll-Your-Own tobacco is included, total estimated tax losses from tobacco products reached €934 million in 2024.  Retailers Against Smuggling National Spokesperson, Benny Gilsenan, joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.