Smuggling cigarettes to the UK is a form of duty evasion. Therefore, there are strict penalties for such offences, and they have gotten more severe in recent times in an attempt to reduce the overall smuggling of tobacco products. With that said, this article highlights the potential penalties involved with smuggling specifically cigarettes in the UK.

Smuggling Cigarettes to the UK

The HMRC decides whether to charge an individual or organization with a civil charge or criminal charge when smuggling cigarettes to the United Kingdom.

Civil penalties are those that involve an offence to an individual or company. These charges are typically less severe than criminal penalties.

Criminal penalties are those that harm society on the whole. These penalties are far more severe than civil penalties.

Possible Penalties for Smuggling Cigarettes to the UK

The HMRC determines which type of penalties to charge based on the severity of the case of smuggling. Therefore, there are no fixed penalties for this type of offence. The type of penalties can vary based on the number of the offence and the number of cigarette unit packets smuggled into the UK.

  • Smuggling less than 100 unit packets can result in:
    • £2,500 for the first offence
    • £5,000 for the second offence
    • £7,500 for the third offence
    • £10,000 for the fourth offence

 

  • Smuggling between 100 and 299 unit packets can result in:
    • £5,000 for the first offence
    • £7,500 for the second offence
    • £10,000 for the third offence
    • £10,000 for the fourth offence

 

  • Smuggling between 300 and 499 unit packets can result in:
    • £7,500 for the first offence
    • £10,000 for the second offence
    • £10,000 for the third offence
    • £10,000 for the fourth offence

 

  • Smuggling between over 500 packets can result in:
    • £10,000 for the first offence
    • £10,000 for the second offence
    • £10,000 for the third offence
    • £10,000 for the fourth offence

In some severe cases, individuals charged with smuggling these goods to the UK may also incur imprisonment as an offence. Imprisonment is often an additional penalty to a monetary penalty. Whether one receives prison time will also depend on whether the HMRC treats the case as a civil or criminal offence.

Final Words

While smuggling cigarettes to the UK is certainly a crime, even buying smuggled goods is punishable by the law. This is because even the purchase of smuggled goods involves evasion of taxes, especially if you knowingly bought them at a lower price than the market price. Therefore, you should make sure that you purchase your tobacco products from a reputable dealer.

If you are ever convicted of a case of duty evasion involving tobacco products or otherwise, make sure that you hire solicitors experienced in this particular field. Their expertise and experience may help you achieve a favourable outcome that can help reduce the charges and consequently the penalties.