In the first 10 months of 2025, Romanian authorities confiscated 186 million contraband cigarettes, with an estimated value of 172.8 million lei, three times more than in 2024.

In 2025, Romania recorded record seizures of contraband cigarettes, with over 186 million cigarettes confiscated in the first 10 months, having an estimated value on the black market of 172.8 million lei. The largest seizures were in the North-East, South-East, and West regions, vulnerable areas due to their proximity to the borders with non-EU states.

The counties of Suceava, Constanta, and Timis dominated the seizure rankings. Authorities discovered elaborate methods of camouflaging illegal products, and in April, in Suceava, they confiscated 32 million cigarettes. The national customs security project, funded by the European Union, will improve the equipment of customs offices. The black market for cigarettes reached 12% in July 2025, the highest level in the last five years, stabilizing at 9.6% in October.