Two major social challenges are highlighted by the 4th Nationwide Survey on Smoking Habits, conducted by MARC on behalf of Philip Morris Cyprus: the illegal trade of tobacco products and minors’ access to tobacco and nicotine products.

The survey, carried out between October 9–15, 2025, across 800 households, underscores the need for coordinated action among the State, relevant authorities, and the private sector to effectively address today’s smoking-related challenges. Citizens’ responses emphasize the importance of stricter controls and measures to protect young people and society as a whole, through ongoing education and awareness.

Specifically, nearly 7 out of 10 respondents (65.5%) believe that there is no effective control over the illegal import of cigarettes or alternative tobacco products from the occupied areas. Equally significant is the fact that nearly 9 out of 10 respondents (89.9%) think that a potential increase in tobacco taxation would lead to more purchases from the occupied areas.

According to the survey, 3 out of 10 Cypriots (32%) still smoke. A considerable portion of smokers (76.6%) say they lack sufficient information about cigarette alternatives. The need for evidence-based information remains central, as 8 out of 10 respondents (84%) believe that science and technology should play a key role in choosing the right alternative product. At the same time, 6 out of 10 respondents (63%) believe that tobacco and nicotine products should be taxed based on their level of harm, pointing to the need for a more rational and fair approach to public health policy.

The issue of minors’ access to tobacco and nicotine products once again stands out as one of the most concerning findings of the survey. Nearly all respondents (96.8%) consider the problem very or fairly serious, while 93.1% believe that it is easy for minors to purchase or obtain tobacco and nicotine products.

When it comes to preventing minors’ access to these products, respondents highlight the role of families and parents (80%), as well as the significant contribution that schools, the state/Ministry of Health, and points of sale should make in education, prevention, and awareness (37.7%, 34.4%, and 34.2%, respectively).

At the same time, nearly 9 out of 10 respondents (89.6%) believe that tobacco companies should cooperate with the state to develop and adopt a stricter framework for controlling minors’ access to tobacco and nicotine products.

Finally, a strong 8 out of 10 respondents (75.2%) underline that the State should prioritize stricter enforcement and the strengthening of legislation to effectively curb minors’ access to and consumption of tobacco and nicotine products.

Commenting on the findings of the 4th Nationwide Survey on Smoking Habits, Mr. Grigoris Kamperis, General Manager of Philip Morris Cyprus, stated:

“This year’s survey clearly shows that Cypriot society is deeply concerned. Citizens are calling for responsible, evidence-based information, while also expressing growing concern over issues such as illegal trade and minors’ access to tobacco and nicotine products. Addressing these challenges cannot be the work of a single body. It requires cooperation between the State, society, and the private sector, through a shared framework of responsibility, transparency, and respect toward citizens. Our goal remains to actively contribute to reducing smoking by promoting science-based information and ensuring adult smokers have access to better alternatives, so that Cyprus can steadily move toward a smoke-free future.”