How accessible is tobacco to minors and where do the biggest challenges arise?

We spoke with Dušan Čarkić of Japan Tobacco International about the issue of minors’ access to tobacco products, as well as the broader context of the illicit tobacco trade. According to Čarkić, Serbia has made certain progress in recent years, but key challenges remain.

The illicit trade in tobacco products continues to persist, most commonly through the sale of fine-cut tobacco outside legal distribution channels, counterfeit cigarettes, and products without excise tax stamps. Such products are available at open-air markets, through social media platforms, and via other informal channels, making them significantly more difficult to control. The price gap between legal and illicit products, coupled with the ease of distribution within the informal economy, remains one of the primary drivers of this issue.

The consequences of such a market are far-reaching. The state loses revenue due to unpaid excise duties and VAT, reducing the funds available for public services, while legitimate manufacturers and retailers face unfair competition. In the long term, this affects the investment climate and market stability, while also encouraging the further expansion of the informal economy.

When it comes to minors, despite a clear legal prohibition on the sale of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 18, access has not been fully restricted. Young people most often obtain cigarettes indirectly through adults, but also directly from retail outlets where age verification procedures are not consistently enforced. The illicit market poses a particular concern, as it operates largely without oversight or accountability mechanisms for sellers.

Although Serbia’s regulatory framework is clearly defined, challenges arise in its implementation. An insufficient number of inspections, a lack of continuity in enforcement activities, and varying levels of staff training among retailers all make consistent compliance more difficult. Online and other informal sales channels present an additional challenge, as they are considerably harder to monitor and regulate.

As highlighted by Čarkić, addressing these issues requires a coordinated approach involving government institutions, businesses, and the tobacco industry. Consistent enforcement of regulations, more effective inspections, improved retailer education, and ongoing public awareness campaigns can help reduce illicit trade and limit minors’ access to tobacco products.