Over 865,000 counterfeit Pall Mall cigarette packs seized at Mexico City airport; seizure worth 25 million pesos

Mexican authorities have confiscated more than 865,000 packs of counterfeit Pall Mall cigarettes at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM). The seizure, valued at an estimated 25 million pesos (approximately $1.4 million USD), is a significant blow to the trade of illicit goods.

The operation, involving the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), the Navy Secretariat (Semar), the National Customs Agency of Mexico, and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), took place during an inspection on August 19, 2026. Authorities temporarily suspended the free circulation of goods in transit from abroad due to potential violations of trademark rights associated with the Pall Mall brand.

This action was prompted by seven administrative procedures initiated at the request of British American Tobacco (Brands) Inc., the registered trademark holder for Pall Mall. The confiscated merchandise was in transit through the AICM customs.

The provisional measure aims to prevent the circulation of these counterfeit products while the relevant administrative procedures are carried out. The claimant has 20 business days to request a declaration of infringement. IMPI will then proceed with the case based on the evidence presented.