Imperial Brands has welcomed the UK Government’s announcement of a new £30m High Street Organised Crime Unit, aimed at tackling illicit trade and supporting law‑abiding retailers.
The move follows growing concern over the scale of organised criminal activity operating through some high street premises, with illegal tobacco and nicotine products undercutting legitimate businesses and distorting fair competition.
Under the plans, offending premises will face increased enforcement action, including raids, closures and asset seizures, alongside additional funding for Trading Standards teams.
Imperial Brands said the new unit would help level the playing field for responsible retailers who operate within the law and serve their local communities.
James Hall, Anti‑Illicit Trade Manager at Imperial Brands, said: “Honest retailers are being undermined every day by illegal operators selling illicit and unregulated products. Stronger enforcement is essential to protect those doing the right thing and to restore a fair playing field across the high street.
“We welcome this action and will continue working with retailers and authorities to help tackle illicit trade.”
He added that the company has long supported ethical retailers and called for tougher enforcement. “As a business committed to the highest possible standards in manufacture and retail practice, we have always stood with ethical retailers who do the right thing when it comes to sourcing and selling tobacco and nicotine products,” he said.
Illicit tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly being sold through a range of outlets, including some convenience stores, vape shops and other high street premises. Imperial Brands warned this not only impacts customers, suppliers and government revenues, but also threatens the viability of legitimate local retailers already operating in a challenging economic environment.
The company said it would continue to work closely with Trading Standards, law enforcement agencies and retailers to raise awareness, support compliance and help identify illegal activity, adding that sustained enforcement and meaningful penalties will be critical as illicit trade becomes more organised and sophisticated.
Imperial Brands is encouraging retailers to report suspected illicit trade activity via its sales teams, dedicated trade platform, email (suspectit.reportit@uk.imptob.com) or anti‑illicit trade hotline on 0800 049 5992.
