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Newsletter
April
Tobacco prices in the Netherlands (April 2026)
In 2026, there will be no major new excise tax increase (unlike the mega jump in April 2024). As a result, tobacco prices in the Netherlands have largely remained the same as the levels after the 2024 increase, with only minor adjustments for inflation and small modifications.
Table of Contents
Current Tobacco Prices (Average, including VAT)
- Pack of cigarettes (20 pieces): €11.10 – €12.00 (average around €11.50)
- Shag tobacco (50 grams): €24.62 - €28.00 (average around €25.50)
- Cigars/cigarillos: Excise tax increased to 11% of the retail price (prices vary widely by brand)
These prices are weighted averages. Brands like Marlboro, Camel, or Van Nelle may be slightly more or less expensive depending on the store (gas station, supermarket, or tobacco shop). Since January 1, 2024, cigarettes are no longer allowed to be sold in supermarkets, which sometimes drives prices up even further in practice.
Tobacco price development last 10 years
Below is a clear overview of the average prices in recent years. The biggest blow came in April 2024 due to the sharpest excise tax increase ever.
| Year | Pack of cigarettes (20 pieces) | Shag tobacco (50 grams) | Increase compared to last year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Approximately €6.80 | Approximately €9.50 | +8-10% |
| 2016 | Approximately €7.10 | ± €10.20 | +5-7% |
| 2017 | Approximately €7.40 | ± €11.00 | +6-8% |
| 2018 | Approximately €7.80 | ± €12.00 | +7-9% |
| 2019 | Approximately €8.20 | Approximately €13.50 | +8-12% |
| 2020 | Approximately €8.80 | Approximately €15.00 | +10-12% |
| 2021 | Approximately €8.90 | Approximately €16.50 | +5-10% |
| 2022 | Approximately €9.00 | Approximately €17.50 | +5-8% |
| 2023 | Around $9.00 - $9.50 | €17.00 - €18.00 | +5-10% |
| 2024 (as of April 1) | €11,10 | €24,62 | +24% (cigarettes) / +45% (roll-your-own tobacco) |
| 2025 | $11.30 – $11.60 | €24.80 – €26.50 | +2-5% |
| April 2026 | $11.50 - $12.00 | $25.00 – $28.00 | +0-5% (virtually stable) |
Sources Taxes, RIVM, CBS figures, and current store prices (nationale-apotheek.nl, vsk-tabak.nl, and recent reports). Prices are averages; individual brands and stores may vary.
The conclusion is clear: in 10 years, cigarettes have become much 75% is more expensive become. Shag is even three times as expensive become. Especially rolling tobacco has made a huge leap to bring the price more in line with cigarettes.
Why are tobacco prices rising so sharply in the Netherlands?
The government has been pursuing an active policy for years to discourage smoking (National Prevention Agreement and goal: smoke-free generation by 2040). The main reasons:
- Excise tax increases — In April 2024, the excise duty on cigarettes increased by €2.34 per pack, and on rolling tobacco by a considerable €7.89 per 50 grams. Excise duty + VAT now makes over 75-80% from the final price.
- EU Directives Minimum rates are becoming increasingly strict.
- Health goals — The state secretary wanted to raise the pack of cigarettes to €40 in 2040. Annual increases are the means.
- Inflation and retail costs — Small increases on top of excise duty.
The result? Many smokers are quitting (RIVM: 1 in 10 quit after the 2024 price hike), but a large number are now buying in bulk abroad (Belgium or Germany). Estimates suggest that 40–60% of the rolling tobacco coming across the border is purchased abroad.
How to truly save money on tobacco: Making your own cigarettes is the winner
The cheapest legal way to smoke? Roll your own or stuff tubes. A 50-gram pack of tobacco yields about 50-60 cigarettes (depending on how tightly you roll). With a good pack of tobacco at €25, that comes out to Only €0.40-€0.50 per cigarette.
Compare that to a branded cigarette of €0.55-€0.60 from the pack. That quickly makes a difference 20-40% per cigarette – and even more at larger volumes.
And here comes Mascotte around the corner.
At Smartific.nl, we don't sell tobacco, but we do sell the best tools for making your own cigarettes: high-quality Mascotte blotter paper, perfect filters/tips, grinders, tubes, and rolling machines. With Mascotte products, you'll roll easier, tastier, and more professionally than ever before.
→ Discover all Mascot products and save immediately: View all Mascotte products
Many customers tell us: “With Mascotte rolling papers and tips, rolling your own feels like a ritual again, and it saves hundreds of euros per year.”
Tobacco prices in the Netherlands remain high, but smart savings are possible.
Tobacco prices in the Netherlands are at a historic high in 2026, and the government doesn't seem inclined to put the brakes on. Whether you're quitting, cutting back, or just want to smoke smarter, rolling your own cigarettes with quality rolling papers, filters, and tubes from Mascotte is currently the most sensible and enjoyable way to save money.
Is buying tobacco across the border still popular?
Many Dutch smokers drive to Germany or Luxembourg to stock up on cheaper tobacco. In April 2026, a 50-gram pack of rolling tobacco in Germany is often €4 to €8 cheaper than in the Netherlands. Be mindful of the maximum amount you can legally import: 1 kg of rolling tobacco or 800 cigarettes per person per trip. Customs checks regularly, so be careful.
Tobacco Prices FAQs
In April 2026, the average price for a pack of cigarettes (20 sticks) will be around €11.50. A 50-gram pack of rolling tobacco will cost an average of between €25.00 and €28.00. Prices have remained relatively stable since the significant excise tax increase in April 2024.
The sharp increase is mainly due to significant excise tax hikes by the government. In April 2024, excise taxes rose sharply, making rolling tobacco nearly 45% more expensive and cigarettes over 24% more expensive. The government aims to discourage smoking with the goal of achieving a smoke-free generation by 2040.
Yes, absolutely. With a pack of rolling tobacco costing €25 to €28, you can roll about 50 to 60 cigarettes. That works out to €0.40 to €0.50 per cigarette. With pre-rolled cigarettes, you’ll easily pay €0.55 to €0.60 each. So you’ll easily save €0.20 to €0.40 per cigarette.
Mascotte offers high-quality rolling papers, filters/tips, rolling machines, and sleeves. These products make rolling your own easier, neater, and more enjoyable. You can find the complete range of Mascotte products at smartific.nl.
The government has a long-term goal of raising the price of a pack of cigarettes to €40 by 2040. Annual excise tax increases are therefore very likely. In 2026, prices will be temporarily stable, but further increases are expected in the coming years.
No. Since January 1, 2024, cigarettes and rolling tobacco can no longer be sold in supermarkets. You can only buy tobacco at tobacco shops, gas stations, and online (with age verification).
You may bring a maximum of 1 kilogram of rolling tobacco or 800 cigarettes per person per import. Importing more is punishable by law and can lead to confiscation and fines.
No. Rolling your own cigarettes for personal use is completely legal. As long as you don't resell tobacco, you don't need to worry.
Sources: Tax Authorities, RIVM, CBS, Tax Plan 2024-2026, vsk-tabak.nl and current store prices (as of April 2026). Prices may vary slightly by location.