Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Philip Morris India Combats Illicit Tobacco Trade in 2025
Philip Morris India is working hard to stop illegal cigarette trading in 2025.
They use smart technology and work with the government to find and stop illegal cigarettes.
Illegal cigarettes are cheaper and avoid taxes, which hurts the economy and people's health.
India is one of the biggest markets for these illegal cigarettes.
Philip Morris has special tracking systems in many countries to help stop this problem.
They also talk to important people in the government to make sure everyone works together to solve this issue.
Philip Morris India is using market intelligence to identify and address hotspots of illicit cigarette trade.
Illicit cigarettes are a significant issue in India, ranked 4th globally by Euromonitor International.
Seizures of smuggled cigarettes in FY'25 amounted to ₹600 crore, with major smuggling routes identified in the North-Eastern region, Maharashtra-Goa, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
PM India supports government reforms by sharing global best practices and implementing advanced Track & Trace systems in 140+ markets.
The organization engaged with over 50 key stakeholders in 2025 to strengthen enforcement and build a transparent tobacco ecosystem.
- Who
- Philip Morris India Trading Private Limited (PM India)
- What
- Intensified efforts to combat illicit tobacco trade through intelligence-driven action and strategic partnerships
- When
- 2025
- Where
- India, with a focus on North-Eastern region, Maharashtra-Goa, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal
- Why
- To safeguard supply chain integrity, support national priorities, and curb the inflow of illegal cigarettes
- Organization
- Philip Morris India Trading Private Limited (PM India)
- Global Rank
- 4th largest market for illicit cigarettes (Euromonitor International)
- Seizures in FY'25
- ₹600 crore worth of smuggled cigarettes
- Major Smuggling Regions
- North-Eastern region (33%), Maharashtra-Goa (20%), Tamil Nadu (13%), West Bengal (9%)
- Track & Trace Systems
- Implemented in 140+ markets globally
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Over 50 key stakeholders engaged in 2025