Counterfeit cigarettes and illegal e-cigarettes rise in Hungary

A YouGov empty-box study reveals an increase in counterfeit cigarettes and illegal e-cigarette consumption in Hungary. The research, conducted between February 23 and April 3, found that 10 percent of traditional cigarettes examined were counterfeit, up from 8.9 percent in the second half of last year.

Regional variations were noted, with the highest rate of counterfeits in Eastern Hungary at 11.8 percent and 9.3 percent in Budapest. Authentic foreign products were primarily sourced from Romania, Kosovo, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

The study also highlighted significant risks regarding e-cigarettes. Because flavored e-cigarettes are banned in Hungary, demand has shifted to unregulated channels. Nearly all disposable e-cigarettes sampled contained high nicotine concentrations, with over 80 percent exceeding EU legal limits. This trend poses both public health and consumer protection risks.

Economically, the strengthening black market for illegal, untaxed products could result in a loss of at least 80 billion forints in annual state tax revenue.