Trading Standards take action on illegal cigarettes

27th February 2025

After receiving numerous complaints from businesses and the public, Highland Council Trading Standards has seized a significant quantity of illicit tobacco products from a retailer in the Highlands. This operation underlines the Council's commitment to protecting consumers and supporting legitimate businesses.

During a targeted inspection of several businesses, Trading Standards officers uncovered a substantial store of illicit tobacco products, including counterfeit cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco. Some of the seized goods are pictured alongside Boo, the tobacco sniffer dog who assisted officers to find the concealed material.

Trading Standards Manager, David MacKenzie commented, "This seizure highlights the persistent efforts of our Trading Standards team to combat the illegal tobacco trade. These products not only evade taxes but also pose serious health risks to Highland residents. We will continue to take robust action against those involved in such criminal activities."

It is a criminal offence under the Trade Marks Act to sell or have in your possession illicit goods which can result in a fine of up to £5000.

Mr MacKenzie continued: "The sale of illicit tobacco undermines public health and safety, as these products often fail to meet regulatory standards. Additionally, the illegal trade deprives the government of essential tax revenue, impacting public services and the wider community and reputable local businesses are adversely affected by the unfair competition".

Trading Standards works with HMRC under Operation CeCe to report illicit tobacco which fails to have the presence of unique identifiers as detailed in the Tobacco Products (Traceability and Security Features) Regulations 2019. Where a tobacco product is found not to comply, this allows Trading Standards to refer this evidence to HMRC to consider applying a civil penalty called a sanction. For a first offence the maximum sanction is £10,000. See here for more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-powers-to-combat-illicit-tobacco-come-into-force (external link)

Highland Council Trading Standards urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale of illicit cigarettes and tobacco. Information can be provided anonymously through the Trading Standards webpage - Report Counterfeit Goods https://self.highland.gov.uk/service/Report_counterfeit_goods (external link)

Consumers can also report concerns and receive advice from Trading Standards partner agency Advice Direct Scotland on telephone 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot (external link)

Highland businesses can contact Trading Standards with specific queries on trading.standards@highland.gov.uk