BVTE identifies Polish L&M edition as target for cross-border smuggling

The Federal Association of the Tobacco Industry and Novel Products (BVTE) has identified a Polish special edition of L&M Blue Label cigarettes, titled ‘Nasze Lato’ (Our Summer), as its ‘smuggled cigarette of the week’.

Unlike many previous cases, these are not counterfeit products but original, authentic packs intended specifically for the Polish market. The phenomenon is driven by significant price differences between European tobacco markets, leading consumers to purchase legally taxed cigarettes in countries like Poland and bring them into Germany for consumption.

L&M is one of the most popular cigarette brands in Germany and ranks among the top five brands originating from Poland found in German waste disposal studies. The brand's high visibility and demand make it a frequent target for both cross-border shopping and organized smuggling. The authenticity of these packs can be verified via Polish tax stamps and EU-mandated track-and-trace codes.