In a major enforcement drive to curb the illegal trade of counterfeit ESSE cigarettes, KT&G, along with its legal partners S.S. Rana & Co. and enforcement authorities, recently conducted simultaneous raids on 14 wholesalers across Delhi NCR. During the commission, the appointed Local Commissioners seized all products which were found carrying the ESSE mark. They also inspected the available documentation which was found. 

This coordinated action has shaken up the market, disrupted illegal supply chains and sent a strong and unequivocal message to operators involved in the counterfeit ESSE cigarette business. The raids form a part of KT&G’s broader strategy to strengthen market compliance, protect consumer rights and prevent the spread of substandard and unsafe counterfeit ESSE cigarettes. 

Speaking on the nationwide crackdown program, Young-Hun Kim, Director, IP Division, KT&G HQ made it clear that firm action will be taken against anyone misusing the ESSE trademark and also the firm will ensure that consumers can rely on genuine ESSE products in India. He described the raids as a “critical component of KP&G’s operational excellence.

Commenting on the enforcement action, Vikrant Rana, Managing Partner, S.S. Rana & Co reiterated the committed to supporting KT&G in the nationwide anti-counterfeiting efforts. He also made it clear that civil and criminal proceedings will be initiated against any manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler or retailer involved in producing or selling counterfeit ESSE cigarettes. 

Consumers were advised to purchase ESSE products only from authorized dealers. Counterfeit cigarettes do not comply with mandatory health standards, may bypass pictorial warnings and often use unregulated raw materials that pose serious health risks.

About KT&G 

KT&G, the manufacturer of the global brand ESSE, is a leading Korean corporation with a leading player in the global tobacco industry. It sells 870 brands across 148 countries as of 2024.