By eliminating illegal tobacco products, we convey a strong message that the State will not accept law violations, which enhances citizens’ trust in institutions and the rule of law while safeguarding Montenegro’s financial interests, stated the Director of the Customs Administration, Maja Vučinić, today.

According to the statement, she announced the start of the destruction of confiscated tobacco products in the “Port of Bar” Free Zone.

Vučinić noted that the Customs Administration has effectively carried out all necessary steps to initiate the process of destroying the seized tobacco products in the “Port of Bar” Free Zone, commencing today.

“In October and November 2024, the Customs Administration successfully completed a census of seized tobacco products. This census was conducted following established methodology with active involvement from HMRC officers, who assisted Customs Administration and Police Administration officers in this endeavor. The Coordination Body accepted the census results as accurate and satisfactory. To address the status of tobacco products seized under the decision prohibiting storage in the ‘Port of Bar’ Free Zone, and at the request of the Customs Administration and the Ministry of Finance, the Government of Montenegro adopted a Decision to destroy seized tobacco products that cannot be sold within the country, in compliance with relevant laws, including the Law on Excise Duties, the Customs Law, the Tobacco Law, and the Protocol on the Elimination of Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products,” emphasized Vučinić in the statement.

She added that the Customs Administration undertook a specific public procurement process in alignment with the Regulation on Military Equipment and Products and the Procedures for Public Procurement in the Field of Defense and Security.

“Following the Internal Instruction for Special Public Procurement in Defense and Security, a Contract for the Destruction and Permanent Disposal of Waste was signed with the selected company within 90 days. By adopting the Decision to Destroy Seized Tobacco Products, the Government of Montenegro and the Customs Administration demonstrate a firm commitment to decisively combat tobacco product smuggling, which has posed long-term security, fiscal, and economic challenges,” stated Vučinić.

She indicated that the Coordination Body has established a Commission for the Destruction of Tobacco Products, which will diligently oversee the destruction process in the “Port of Bar” Free Zone according to the Operational Plan, ensuring compliance with environmental protection requirements.

“Moreover, the destruction of these tobacco products will allow the Customs Administration to reallocate resources currently focused on heightened goods surveillance. The Government’s decision will positively influence legitimate economic entities by diminishing illegal markets and unfair competition,” Vučinić remarked.

She expressed particular gratitude to the British Embassy in Montenegro, representatives of the United Kingdom’s Revenue and Customs Administration – HMRC, as well as the European Union (EU) delegation, who, according to Vučinić, have provided tremendous support throughout this process.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of Montenegro for Political System, Judiciary, and Anti-Corruption, Momo Koprivica, also announced today that the destruction of confiscated tobacco products in the “Port of Bar” Free Zone has commenced.

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