Illegal cigarettes already represent 38% of the market in Colombia, the highest level recorded in records
The consumption of illegal cigarettes marked historic figures in 2025. Photo: Image generated with artificial intelligence.
TL;DR
- The illegal cigarette market in Colombia reached a historical high of 38% of national consumption in 2025.
- This trend has been ascending in recent years, transforming from a marginal phenomenon into a structural problem.
- Departments are estimated to have lost approximately $1.18 trillion Colombian pesos in tax revenue in 2025 due to this illegal market.
- These lost revenues are legally destined for sectors such as health, sports, and recreation.
- The problem is particularly acute in border departments and those with maritime ports, with the Caribbean region showing the highest incidence.
- Rural areas and lower socioeconomic strata (1 and 2) show a higher proportion of illegal cigarette consumption, largely due to price differences.
- The average price of a legal pack of 20 cigarettes exceeded $12,000 Colombian pesos in 2025, while illegal packs are substantially cheaper.
- The design of tax policy, with increased consumption tax and VAT on legal cigarettes, is seen as a contributing factor to the rise in illegal consumption.
- Over 70% of illegal cigarette packs are acquired in neighborhood stores and minimarkets.
- The illegal market also weakens public health policies related to tobacco control, hindering price regulation, health warnings, and access restrictions.
- The origins of illegal cigarettes are diverse, with notable mentions of the United States, Uruguay, South Korea, Paraguay, and China.