A study led by British American Tobacco, one of the world's leading tobacco manufacturers, points to the growing increase in cigarette sales on the Internet.
According to BFM TV, which unveils this work in association with Webdrone, the social networks Facebook and Twitter are popular places for the resale of counterfeit cigarettes.
With a certain interest in the wallet of consumers, who buy their package between 3 and 5 euros on the Internet, against more than 10 euros at a tobacconist in France.
Social networks too complacent?
During the study carried out at the beginning of the year, more than 10,000 advertisements for the sale of cigarettes were found on the Web.
In France, Île-de-France and Occitanie are particularly affected by smuggling, while the regions of Hauts-de-France and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are more affected by counterfeit products.
The head of public affairs at BAT, interviewed by
Le Parisien
, agrees: “This study shows that social networks are completely complacent with regard to these illegal sales”.
The tobacconists are worried
According to tobacconists, the shortfall would represent nearly 18 billion euros.
Unfair competition for Philippe Coy, president of the National Confederation of tobacconists, who is indignant with the Ile-de-France daily: “Tobacco is the engine of our businesses.
This allows us to sell something else like games or press.
In fifteen years, we have already lost 10,000 establishments…”.
While Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne announced that the price of a pack of cigarettes could exceed 11 euros next year, business is not likely to work out for tobacconists.
Miscellaneous facts
Orly: More than a ton of contraband tobacco seized by customs officers
Economy
A third of tobacco consumed in France purchased elsewhere than from tobacconists?
Company
Tobacco
Cigarette
Internet
Social networks