Effectiveness of Customs Policy in Controlling Illegal Cigarette Circulation: A State Revenue Perspective

Authors

  • Lutfi Afifah Universitas Pancasakti Tegal
  • Amirah Universitas Pancasakti Tegal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24905/icobis.v2i1.91

Keywords:

Customs Policy, Illegal Cigarettes, Tobacco Excise, State Revenue, Law Enforcement

Abstract

Illegal cigarette circulation poses a significant challenge to tobacco excise administration and the protection of state revenue in Indonesia. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of customs policy in controlling illegal cigarette circulation from a state revenue perspective. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, with data collected through literature review, observation, and documentation. The analysis focused on the legal framework governing tobacco excise, the implementation of preventive supervision and repressive enforcement by the Directorate General of Customs and Excise, and the fiscal implications of enforcement activities. The findings indicate that customs policy is implemented through inspections, the seizure of illegal cigarettes, investigations, and legal action against violations of excise regulations. Data provided for the Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office Type Madya Pabean C Tegal (KPPBC TMP C Tegal) for 2023–2025 indicate that enforcement activities were associated with approximately IDR 10 billion in potential tobacco excise revenue protected annually. This figure highlights the potential fiscal contribution of enforcement activities, although it should be distinguished from actual revenue collected by the state. Despite these efforts, illegal cigarette circulation remains a persistent challenge requiring continuous improvement in supervision, intelligence capabilities, inter-agency coordination, and regulatory compliance. This study emphasizes the importance of evaluating customs policy not only through enforcement outputs but also through its contribution to reducing illegal cigarette circulation and safeguarding sustainable state revenue.

References

Ahsan, A., Wiyono, N. H., Setyonaluri, D., Denniston, R., & So, A. D. (2014). Illicit cigarette consumption and government revenue loss in Indonesia. Globalization and Health, 10, Article 75. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12992014-0075-7

Ardana, B. Y., Ananda, C. F., & Bintoro, N. S. (2025). Enforcement of illicit cigarettes increases excise revenue in Indonesia. World Customs Journal, 19(2), 68–81. https://doi.org/10.55596/001c.144234

Hamid, A., & Samuel, S. (2022). Customs and excise officers authority on illegal cigarette in Indonesia. Kanun Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, 24(3).

Kasri, R. A., Ahsan, A., Wiyono, N. H., Jacinda, A. R., & Kusuma, D. (2021). New evidence of illicit cigarette consumption government https://doi.org/10.18332/tid/142778 revenue loss in Indonesia. Tobacco Induced Diseases.

Joossens, L., Merriman, D., Ross, H., & Raw, M. (2010). The impact of eliminating the global illicit cigarette trade on health and revenue. Addiction, 105(9), 1640–1649. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03018.x

Joossens, L., & Raw, M. (2012). From cigarette smuggling to illicit tobacco trade. Tobacco Control, 21(2), 230–234.

Chaloupka, F. J., Yurekli, A., & Fong, G. T. (2012). Tobacco taxes as a tobacco control strategy. Tobacco Control, 21(2), 172–180.

Blecher, E. H., & van Walbeek, C. P. (2004). An international analysis of cigarette affordability. Tobacco Control, 13(4), 339–346.

Stoklosa, M., & Ross, H. (2014). Contrasting academic and tobacco industry estimates of illicit cigarette trade: Evidence from Warsaw, Poland. Tobacco Control, 23, e30–e34.

Yurekli, A. A., & Sayginsoy, O. (2010). Worldwide organized cigarette smuggling: An empirical analysis. Applied Economics, 42(5), 545–561.

Goodchild, M., Perucic, A.-M., & Nargis, N. (2016). Modelling the impact of raising tobacco taxes on public health and finance. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 94, 250–257.

West, R., Townsend, J., Joossens, L., Arnott, D., & Lewis, S. (2008). Why combating tobacco smuggling is a priority. BMJ, 337, a1028.

Smith, K. E., Savell, E., & Gilmore, A. B. (2013). What is known about tobacco industry efforts to influence tobacco tax? A systematic review of empirical studies. Tobacco Control.

Tobacco Taxes and Illicit Cigarette Trade in Colombia. (2020). Economics & Human Biology, 39, Article 100902. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2020.100902

Suarda, I. G. W., Hamman, E., Anggono, B. D., Setyawan, F., Taufiqurohman, M. M., & Priambudi, Z. (2024). Illicit cigarette trade in Indonesia: Trends and analysis from the recent judgments. Sriwijaya Law Review, 8(1), 38–59. https://doi.org/10.28946/slrev.Vol8.Iss1.2726

Downloads

Published

2026-10-13

Issue

Section

Articles