BelgiumNearly Half of the Cigarettes Consumed in Belgium Escape Taxation: 3 Billion Euros of Lost Revenue
March 23, 2026 by eureporter.co
BelgiumNearly Half of the Cigarettes Consumed in Belgium Escape Taxation: 3 Billion Euros of Lost Revenue
Around 44.4% of cigarettes consumed in Belgium are not taxed domestically because they are imported or counterfeit. This leads to an estimated loss of more than 3.025 billion euros in excise duties and VAT revenues. The data comes from a recent study conducted for Cimabel, representing cigarette manufacturers in Belgium and Luxembourg. The figures cover the fourth quarter of 2025 and show a continuing rise in illegal tobacco consumption. This increase is significant compared to 34.9% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024, indicating a rapidly growing problem.
21.70% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 2.1 million current smokers in Belgium 24.70% of men are current smokers but only 18.90% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
