The collection of revenues from the import of tobacco and tobacco products increased by EUR 11 million in Q1 2026, compared to the same period last year. On this basis alone, a total of MKD 2.82 billion, or about EUR 45.7 million, flowed into the Budget.
Aside from the increased collection, intensified field controls were carried out in the same period. In eight cases, over one million pieces of cigarettes were seized, as well as 225.6 kilograms of tobacco products, including chopped tobacco, hookah tobacco and nicotine pouches. In four cases, a pre-investigation criminal procedure was conducted by the Investigations Department of the Control and Investigations Sector. Criminal charges were filed against four individuals and one legal entity. The Customs Administration notes that these activities are aimed at protecting the state budget, but also at protecting the health of citizens.
At the celebration of the 34th anniversary of the Customs Administration, Customs director Boban Nikolovski said that the institution had a much broader role than just control.
“Our role is not only to control, but to protect, prevent and show that the law applies equally to everyone. Companies that operate legally must have security and predictability. Our role is to provide conditions in which honest work is an advantage, and there is no room for unfair competition.
This is how a healthy economy is created and new business opportunities are opened. That is our responsibility, but not only ours – it is also the responsibility of each individual participant in each customs procedure: transporter, importer, customs agent, passenger. The law applies to each of them, because they bear responsibility and have an obligation to behave legally, and not selectively and according to current personal needs and beliefs. Only according to the law, and only then will we be able to talk about a system. Everything else will be just improvisation. We as the Administration should strive to reach the stage when we do not only react to problems that have already arisen, but also anticipate and cancel them before they happen,” Nikolovski said.
