How to Identify Illicit Cigarettes – Ukrainian Forensic Experts Explain

In a recent Ukrainian National News (UNN) article, Oleksandr Ruvin, Director of the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute of Forensic Expertise, described the steps taken by the institute to identify smuggled cigarettes and counterfeits of well-known brands, with tax stamps featuring high on the list of elements to check.

`The first step is to examine the packaging, including traces of machines and equipment used to produce the cigarettes, the characteristics of adhesive materials, and whether all the markings and protective elements required by current legislation are correctly applied to the cigarette pack,’ Ruvin explained.

‘Next, excise stamps are examined for compliance with reference samples. After that, it is the turn of the cigarettes themselves – we examine the materials used to make the cigarette and the packaging: paper, filter, polyethylene, glue, etc.

‘Finally, we perform a biological study of the tobacco itself (since each manufacturer has its own tobacco mixture recipe). This stage shows the quality of the tobacco, its quantity, compliance with regulations, the content of various substances, etc.