Protect your business.
Protect your reputation.
Illegal tobacco puts legitimate retailers at a serious disadvantage. Criminals sell it cheap, untaxed, and unregulated, undercutting you and damaging your business.
We're here to support honest shopkeepers and help you protect your livelihood.
Illegal tobacco is not a victimless crime. It's jobs lost, local businesses shutting down, criminal activity surging.
How to spot illegal tobacco products:
- Cigarettes and handrolling tobacco that is in branded packs (not 'plain packs')
- No UK health warnings or security labels
- Foreign languages on the pack
- Prices that seem too good to be true
Know
the risks:
If you're caught selling illegal tobacco, you could face:
- Loss of alcohol and lottery licenses
- Temporary or permanent closure orders
- Permanent damage to your reputation
- Gantry removals
You have the power to make a difference.
This campaign isn't just a warning. It's a call to action for honest
retailers, and a deterrent to those who are breaking the law.
Not sure what to do?
We've got your back.
We're here to help you stay compliant and protect your business.
Help protect your business and your community.
If you're aware of anybody selling illegal tobacco you should report this using the anonymous form above, or by contacting HM Revenue & Customs' Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887, Trading Standards (through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline) on 0808 223 1133 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
What happens after you report illegal tobacco?
When you report suspicious activity, the information is passed securely to HMRC or Trading Standards. They take illegal tobacco seriously and act on it.
Here's what their process typically looks like:
- Initial Intelligence Review
Your report is reviewed and assessed alongside other information in the area. - Test Purchase / Mystery Shop
Officers may visit the store undercover to check if illegal tobacco is being sold. - First Enforcement Visit
If illegal products are found, they are seized immediately. The retailer receives a warning, and their details are logged for further monitoring. - Follow-Up Action
Repeat offences may trigger stronger penalties from larger seizures to gantry removal, prosecution, or even store license revocation.
This isn't a one-and-done process, enforcement teams use repeated visits, surveillance, and community intelligence to build evidence and take serious action.
Every report matters. It helps tackle repeat offenders and protect law-abiding retailers.
Want to demand more action on illegal tobacco from your local MP? Find out who to contact here.
Download our template letter to contact them and add your voice to the campaign.