Row over French carsharing app that lets smokers buy cheap cigarettes in six EU countries
Products such as tobacco and alcohol are less expensive in neighbouring countries
Carklop offers users a way of organising cross-border carpool journeys to buy items such as cigarettes in countries where they cost less
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A new carsharing platform that allows users to make money-saving purchases of tobacco and alcohol in other European countries has received backlash from tobacconists.
Carklop – clope being French slang for cigarette – claims to be “the first cross-border carpooling service that makes it easy to buy everything that is cheaper from our neighbours.”
Users can organise round-trip journeys from France or Belgium to six countries: Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Andorra, Italy and Luxembourg. Travel costs including petrol and tolls are split between drivers and passengers.
Deemed ‘immoral’ by tobacconists
France’s Confédération des buralistes (Confederation of Tobacconists) was quick to publish a response condemning the “immorality” of the Carklop platform.
It stated that the app “undermines public health issues and local businesses such as tobacconists, which are already severely weakened by trafficking and constant insecurity.”
The confederation confirms that France has the highest tobacco prices in continental Europe, highlighting that a 8.1% drop in tobacco sales was recorded in the first half of 2025, “mainly due to the significant impact of trafficking and street vending, as well as procurement from neighbouring countries.”
It also outlined a desire to halt the service and suggested that tobacco import regulations should be reviewed “to restore fairness in Europe.”
Inspired by 'personal frustration'
Carklop was launched on September 11 and founded by Philippe Poulard who lives in the Haute-Saône department of France, near the German border.
“I discovered that I was paying almost three times more for cigarettes than my German neighbours. So I created Carklop out of personal frustration. The aim is to restore purchasing power,” stated Mr Poulard.
The price of tobacco in France is 92% higher than the European average, while groceries are 11% higher, says Carklop. Alcoholic drinks are least expensive in Italy, with prices 15% lower than the European average.
Is it legal?
The initiative is not illegal as long as purchases are made for personal use and comply with legal import limits. France permits imports of up to 800 cigarettes and no more than 10 litres of alcoholic spirits are from other EU countries. Resale is prohibited.
“Each user is personally responsible for the products they transport. Carklop assumes no responsibility in the event of a breach of legal restrictions,” state the terms of use.
You must be over 18 to use the platform, and a valid driving licence must be provided in order to offer a carpooling journey.
At the time of writing, 16 profiles have posted upcoming journeys such as Paris to Luxembourg (€60), Nice to Vintimille (€25), and Lille to Bruxelles (€10). Users can also indicate how much time they intend to spend at the destination (usually one hour), their car model, and preferences including no music, no smoking, and no animals.
Read also: Beaches, gardens, outside schools: France bans smoking in more public spaces
