Two critical challenges for society are highlighted by the 4th Pan-Cyprus Survey on Tobacco Habits, carried out by MARC on behalf of Philip Morris Cyprus: the illegal trade in tobacco products and minors' access to tobacco and nicotine products.
The findings of the research, which was conducted between 9-15 October 2025 in 800 households, highlight the need for coordinated action by the State, the competent authorities and the private sector, in order to effectively deal with the modern challenges surrounding smoking. Citizens' responses emphasize the need for stricter controls and ensuring the protection of young people and society as a whole, through continuous information and awareness.
In particular, almost 7 out of 10 (65.5%) respondents believe that there is no effective control to combat the illegal importation of cigarettes or alternative tobacco products from the occupied territories.
Equally important, is the fact that almost 9 out of 10 respondents (89.9%) believe that a possible increase in taxation on tobacco products would lead to an increase in purchases from the occupied territories.
According to the survey, 3 out of 10 Cypriots (32%) still smoke. A very significant percentage of smokers (76.6%) declares that they do not have sufficient information about alternative products to smoking cigarettes. The need for evidence-based information continues to be a central issue, with 8 in 10 (84%) believing that science and technology should be taken seriously when choosing the right alternative product. At the same time, 6 out of 10 respondents (63%) believe that tobacco and nicotine products should be taxed according to their degree of harm, indicating the need for a more rational and fair approach to health policy.
The protection of minors remains a priority
The issue of minors' access to tobacco and nicotine products emerges again this year as one of the most worrying findings of the research. Almost all respondents (96.8%) consider the problem very to fairly serious, while 93.1% believe that the purchase and supply of tobacco and nicotine products by minors is easy.
Regarding the effort to prevent access of minors to tobacco and nicotine products, the role of the family and parents is highlighted (80%), but also the important role that must be played in information, prevention and education, both by schools, the state/Ministry of Health, and points of sale (37.7%, 34.4% and 34.2% respectively). At the same time, 89.6% or almost 9 out of 10 respondents believe that tobacco companies should work with the state to develop and adopt a stricter framework for controls on minors' access to tobacco and nicotine products.
Finally, an overwhelming percentage of 8 out of 10 (75.2%) underlines that the State's priority should be to intensify controls and strengthen the legislative framework, in order to effectively deal with the access and consumption of tobacco and nicotine products by minors.
Commenting on the results of the 4th Global Survey on Smoking Habits, Mr. Grigoris Kamperis, General Manager of Philip Morris Cyprus, said: "This year's survey clearly shows that Cypriot society is in a state of intense reflection. Citizens demand responsible, factual information and at the same time express concern about issues such as the illegal trade and access of minors to tobacco and nicotine products. Addressing these challenges cannot be the work of a single agency. Cooperation between the State, society and the private sector is required, through a common framework of responsibility, transparency and respect for the citizen. Our goal remains to actively contribute to the reduction of smoking, promoting information on the scientific data base and the access of adult smokers to better alternatives, so that Cyprus takes steady steps towards a future without cigarette smoke".
