Disposal of seized/confiscated cigarettes of foreign origin vis-à-vis provisions of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules, 2008

Packaging compliance requirements for imported cigarettes require sale to consumer cooperatives or e auction if compliant, and mandatory destruction if non compliant.

Imported cigarette packs intended for retail must meet COTPA packaging and labelling specifications and Legal Metrology declarations; compliant seized/confiscated stocks may be sold to NCCF/Kendriya Bhandar or via e auction, while packs that do not meet statutory packaging, labelling or metrology requirements must be destroyed in consultation with State Pollution Control Boards. Where seizures involve suspected counterfeiting, Rule 11 of the IPR (Imported Goods) Enforcement Rules, 2007 requires destruction or disposal outside normal commerce only with the right holder's concurrence.