Tobacco prices Netherlands

• April 01 2020, by Willy van Knippenberg
• 6 min reading time

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How much does a pack of Drum or Marlboro cost? Read all about rising tobacco prices in the Netherlands and discover the prices of cigarettes and rolling tobacco over the years. Also, discover the cheapest tobacco options and how to make your own cigarettes. Read more here!

The cost of tobacco products in the Netherlands has undergone significant changes as of April 1, 2024, primarily due to recent excise duty increases. This price increase is part of a broader initiative to further reduce smoking in the country, with a particular focus on the impact on young people and general public health.

Tobacco prices in the Netherlands: An Overview of Recent Changes

• Cigarette prices : A standard pack of twenty cigarettes now averages €11.10. This is a significant increase from the previous price of around €9, reviving the question "how much does a pack of cigarettes cost?"

• Rolling tobacco prices : The cost of a 50-gram pack of rolling tobacco has also increased, from €17 to €24.62. For fans of hand-rolled cigarettes, "How much does a pack of rolls cost?" is a relevant question, with the current price potentially impacting accessibility.

The Role of Excise Duty Increases

Excise duty increases have played a central role in tobacco product prices over the years. A recent example is the €1.22 price increase on cigarettes in 2023. These increases are strategically designed to discourage smoking by increasing the financial burden on smokers.

Measures for a Smoke-Free Generation

The aim for a smoke-free generation by 2040 includes several measures, including:

• Smoking percentage : The aim is to reduce the percentage of smokers among adults to a maximum of 5%.
• Sales restrictions : A significant measure is the ban on the sale of tobacco products in supermarkets from 1 July 2024. This is because supermarkets represent a large proportion of tobacco sales outlets.

Detailed Price Development of Cigarettes Over the Years

An overview of cigarette price trends provides insight into how costs have changed for smokers in the Netherlands. Here's a detailed list of the price trends for a pack of Marlboro cigarettes, a commonly used benchmark:

• 1975 : €0.93 - A time when smoking was still widespread and socially accepted without much regulation.
• 1980 : €1.36 - Beginning of awareness about the health risks of smoking.
• 1985 : €1.88 - Further price increases reflect the increasing tax burden.
• 1990 : €1.90 - Stabilization in price developments, despite growing health concerns.
• 1995 : €2.30 - Excise duty increases begin to play a noticeable role.
• 2000 : €3.21 - The millennium brings stricter regulations and higher prices.
• 2005 : €5.00 - A significant price jump in response to health policy.
• 2010 : €6.00 ​​- Further increases support the trend towards smoking discouragement.
• 2020 : €7.20 - Prices continue to rise, partly due to excise duty increases.
• 2021 : €8.20 - Continuation of the policy for a smoke-free generation.
• 2024 : €11.10 - The most recent price increase, resulting from the last excise duty hike.

Buying tobacco across the border: Germany & Luxembourg as a cheaper alternative

With tobacco prices constantly rising in the Netherlands, more and more smokers are looking abroad for cheaper alternatives. Germany and Luxembourg , in particular, are popular destinations for smokers looking to save money.

Cigarette price comparison by country

Country	Average price (20 cigarettes)	Cheapest brand
The Netherlands	€11.10	≈ €10.50
Germany	€9.00	≈ €7.50
Luxembourg	€8.00	≈ €5.50

The price differences can be significant, especially when buying in bulk. A carton of Marlboro that costs over €110 in the Netherlands can sometimes be found in Luxembourg for around €80. That's a saving of €30 per carton.

Please note: rules and restrictions

While it's legal to buy tobacco abroad for personal use, there are limits on how much you can bring home without paying excise duties. For EU countries like Germany and Luxembourg, the following applies:

• Up to 800 cigarettes
• Up to 1 kg of smoking tobacco
• For personal use only (do not resell)

If you're caught with larger quantities, you must be able to prove it's for personal use. So be aware of the rules and keep any receipts.

Is it worth it?

For those who regularly travel near the border or are just passing through, it can certainly be worthwhile. But beware: the savings quickly evaporate if you make a special 200 km trip. So combine it with a day trip or a fuel stop across the border.

Make your own cigarettes

Another option is to make your own cigarettes using loose tobacco, tubes with filters, and a tube filler. This can be a cost-effective method for those who aren't ready to completely give up the habit. Making your own cigarettes offers several advantages, such as control over the amount of tobacco and the ability to mix different types of tobacco. Smokers can also choose from a variety of tubes with filters, such as our Mascotte Classic Filters .

Besides tubes and filters, lighters are also an essential part of the smoking process. Browse our extensive range of lighters here and choose the one that best suits your style. A good lighter ensures even combustion of the tobacco and contributes to a better smoking experience.

Start making your own cigarettes today and discover how much you can save while enjoying a personalized smoking experience.

The National Prevention Agreement

Within the framework of the National Prevention Agreement, various measures have been introduced to achieve the goal of a smoke-free generation. These include excise duty increases, the introduction of plain packaging, and the creation of smoke-free school grounds starting in the 2020/2021 school year.

Your Opinion

The fluctuating tobacco prices in the Netherlands are prompting mixed reactions from smokers and non-smokers alike. The question now is:

• Do you think rising prices are a good motivation to quit smoking or to look for alternatives?
• How does the price increase affect your smoking behavior or that of people around you?

We invite you to share your experiences and opinions with us as we continue the movement towards a healthier, smoke-free Netherlands.

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