Share of counterfeit cigarettes on Czech market rises to 6.5 percent

The share of counterfeit cigarettes on the Czech market rose to about 6.5 percent in the final quarter of last year, according to a survey by the Czech Association for Branded Products. That corresponds to roughly 800 million cigarettes.

The findings are based on research that collects empty cigarette packs from streets and public bins across the country. The association says the share of fake cigarettes has almost doubled in the past two years.

Counterfeit cigarettes are most common near the Polish border, likely due to the price difference between cigarettes in the two countries. Experts warn the fakes can be difficult to distinguish from genuine products and may also pose health risks.