UIO BiH First results of the 'Stop Smuggling' campaign

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - In the first fifteen days of the public campaign "Stop Smuggling" conducted by the Indirect Taxation Authority, 72 pieces of information were received regarding the illegal sale of tobacco and cigarettes on the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The information was received via calls to the open line, number 080 02 06 07, and by sending messages with photos and locations of places where illegal cigarette sales are taking place to the Viber number 065 355 155. All reports will be subject to detailed checks to be carried out in the field by officers of the Enforcement Sector within the Indirect Taxation Authority.

The Indirect Taxation Authority expresses special gratitude to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who can be our exceptionally important "inspectors", as they best know in their local communities who and where is engaged in illegal trade of tobacco and cigarettes.

It is important to emphasize that all calls are free and anonymous, and we fully guarantee the anonymity of the reporter of illegal activities.

Revenues from indirect taxes (VAT, excise duties, customs duties, and road tolls) are of utmost importance for the overall fiscal stability of the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina. Money collected from indirect taxes largely finances healthcare, education, road infrastructure, various social benefits, and the like. In the first five months alone, the UIO collected 3 billion and 833 million KM, which is 739 million or 24% more compared to the same period last year.

Based solely on excise duties on tobacco and tobacco products, the UIO collected 362 million KM in the first five months of 2022, which is 76 million KM more compared to the same period last year.