Smurfit Kappa Secures Irish Tobacco Stamp Contract

Following a competitive tender, Smurfit Kappa Security Concepts (SKSC) has been awarded a contract by the Office of the Revenue Commissioners – the Irish government agency responsible for customs and excise – to supply tobacco tax stamps, in the wake of tax increases introduced in 2024 and 2025.

The contract has previously been held by SKSC for 20 years.

Under the terms of the deal, SKSC will be responsible for the printing and supply of the tax stamps to be applied to specified tobacco products for the Irish market. The company has designed the stamps with a range of security features, including several SKSC exclusive developments, to combat fraud and ensure tobacco revenue is protected.

A series of tax hikes on cigarettes and vapes has come into effect in Ireland in recent years with the aim of discouraging smoking. An increase in excise duty introduced in October 2024 increased the cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes by €1 (£0.83).