ILLEGAL trade and smuggling activities significantly hinder national economic development and severely impact various sectors of the economy. Only by taking strict measures to detect, seize, and suppress such illegal trade can these activities be effectively reduced.
Illegal imports can replace domestic production, causing harm to local industries and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and potentially affecting the overall direction of the national economy. In addition, they can lead to loss of government tax revenue, foreign exchange losses, accounting and record-keeping errors, adverse impacts on foreign trade and investment, negative effects on domestic industries and production, harm to consumers, and damage to public health and the natural environment.
Regarding illegal trade and smuggling, from January 2022 to June 2025 – a period of three and a half years – a total of 25,231 cases were seized, with an estimated value of approximately K663,919 billion. The seized illegal goods included raw minerals, various types of metals, precious metals, and jewelry; electronic equipment and accessories; fabrics and clothing; vehicles; household items; foreign goods; illegal timber and forest products; goods that do not meet quality and standard requirements; counterfeit or unregistered medicines and dangerous chemicals; business-use equipment; fuels and oils; food items; unlicensed vehicles; and other illegally imported goods.
In the case of smuggled goods, when illegal imports do not comply with tax obligations, standards, or quality requirements, they not only reduce the government’s foreign exchange revenue but also grant unfair advantages to the illegal traders. Furthermore, such illegal imports can disrupt domestic markets and undermine the stability of local production and pricing.
Regarding illegal trade, staff members have been consistently reminded to act lawfully and correctly in accordance with the law. Any individuals involved who fail to uphold the integrity, honour, and prescribed rules of their positions will be dealt with firmly. Staff must prioritize the interests of their organization in their duties; when the organization’s interests conflict with personal matters, the organization takes precedence. When the interests of the organization conflict with those of the State, the State’s interests must be prioritized. Staff must ensure that those engaging in illegal trade are not allowed to benefit from their activities.
Illegal trade and smuggling result in the loss of the nation’s valuable resources because they are exploited outside the proper regulatory system. Such activities significantly hinder the development of the national economy, negatively affect economic sectors, and undermine national stability and security. Therefore, reducing illegal trade requires coordinated efforts among relevant government departments and active cooperation from the public.
