Growing impact of illicit trade highlighted to MSPs
THE Scottish Government has responded to the rising concerns of illicit trade across the retail sector following on from a meeting on the topic at Scottish Parliament which took place on 3 September.
During the meeting, members of the sector and industry representatives voiced their concerns and helped to showcase the increasing impact that retailers are facing due to the rise of rogue sellers across local communities in Scotland.
Kirsten Oswald MSP, minister for victims and community safety, said: “I am grateful to the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) for meeting with me to discuss the impact of illicit trade on legitimate retailers.
“We value the important work being done by Trading Standards and law enforcement partners to tackle illicit trade and we continue to work with them and stakeholders, including SGF, as well as the UK Government, to address the concerns raised.
“This includes reviewing how closure orders currently work and considering changes that may be required to strengthen enforcement.
“As well as harming legitimate businesses, profits from illicit trade often fund other forms of criminality, and we are committed to doing everything we can to disrupt this damaging activity.”
Pete Cheema, chief executive at the SGF, was in attendance for the meeting and highlighted the massive impact that the illicit trade has had on the retail sector in recent years.
While the SGF welcomed the work that has been done so far to help clamp down on this issue, such as the introduction of the Retail Crime Taskforce in 2025, the industry firm has called for further action to help tackle the issue by urging for tougher punishments against offenders and support for dedicated enforcement on the issue, such as Trading Standards teams.
Cheema said: “I want to thank the Minister for her engagement on this critical issue for our sector. It is clear that the Scottish Government is taking this matter very seriously, and now we need to see immediate and tougher action on illegal traders.
“Illegal tobacco and vapes are now widespread in the Scottish marketplace, and without tougher action the situation will only get worse.
“Local stores are at the very heart of their communities, providing lifeline good and services, while boosting local employment and the local economy. Illicit trade not only damages the viability of those businesses, it also funds organised crime and represents a genuine risk to communities and their wellbeing.”
