Tobacco sales drop in Corsica

The new tobacco taxation policy has led to a noticeable decrease in tobacco sales in Corsica, with official deliveries reportedly down by about 11% since January 2026, according to Hervé Natali, head of anti-smuggling actions at Imperial Brands Seita. This decline is higher than the mainland’s 6% drop.

Measuring the impact is difficult

Hervé Natali notes that the decrease in official sales alone does not provide a clear picture of the growth of the parallel tobacco market. He says that accurate data on the size of this market will only be available after comparing customs seizure figures in Corsica with those from 2025.

Customs seizures reveal diverse sources

During a meeting of Corsican tobacconists in Sartène, customs officials presented a range of illicit tobacco products, including counterfeit cigarettes, authentic products from abroad, cigars, rolling tobacco, and e-cigarettes. These items bypass the official tobacconist network, according to Natali.

Illicit tobacco enters through multiple channels

Illicit tobacco products in Corsica come from various countries, including Luxembourg, Serbia, and the Maghreb. Some enter through ports or airports, while others are sent by post, especially after online purchases. Natali notes that the variety of entry points makes it difficult to manage the issue effectively.

Parallel market includes both counterfeit and legal products

In addition to counterfeit cigarettes, Natali mentions that some tobacco products are authentic but bypass the official distribution network. For example, individuals may bring cartouches from Sardinia to resell. This creates a parallel market that includes both counterfeit and legitimate products.

Price increase may shift consumer behavior

Hervé Natali suggests that the price increase might encourage some consumers to seek cheaper alternatives or to stop smoking altogether, possibly turning to e-cigarettes. However, the extent of this shift remains uncertain.

Criminal networks are expanding into tobacco

Natali warns that criminal networks, already involved in other forms of trafficking, are increasingly turning to tobacco due to its high profitability and relatively low risks. He cites a customs report showing that nearly 30% of dismantled criminal networks in 2025 were linked to tobacco counterfeiting.

Tobacco trafficking costs France billions

The financial stakes are significant. In France, tobacco trafficking results in over five billion euros in lost tax revenue annually, while the European Court of Auditors estimates the loss at 13 billion euros across Europe.

Health and legal risks for consumers

Counterfeit cigarettes pose serious health risks, as consumers cannot know the composition of the tobacco, filters, or paper used. Purchasing counterfeit tobacco carries a fine of 135 euros, while organizers of trafficking can face prison sentences of up to ten years for organized crime.

Tobacconists adapt to changing market

Tobacconists in Corsica have already started adapting to the changing market, offering services beyond tobacco, such as financial and postal services. These stores also play a vital role in rural communities, with 43% located in communes with fewer than 3,500 inhabitants.

Calls for support and stronger enforcement

Hervé Natali advocates for a "tax pause" and the preservation of the local tobacconist network. He argues that effective protection for tobacconists should accompany the state’s distribution monopoly and that more resources are needed for customs, police, and gendarmerie to combat tobacco trafficking.