PMI Highlights Ways to Tackle Illicit Tobacco Trade

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Philip Morris International (PMI) has published its position paper supporting the WHO FCTC Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.

In its paper, PMI expressed its views on how to best tackle illicit tobacco trade as the first Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol (MOP1) kicks off in Geneva.

With approximately one out of 10 cigarettes smoked globally stemming from illicit trade, Parties to the Protocol should take a collaborative approach to tackling the problem of illicit trade.

Available on PMI’s website, the position paper proposes effective strategies for tackling the illicit tobacco trade, aligned with key provisions of the Protocol.

“The Protocol is a significant and crucial global tool to tackle the serious issue of the illicit tobacco trade,” said Alvise Giustiniani, Vice President of Illicit Trade Prevention at PMI. “We strongly support the objectives and principles of the Protocol, as well as the Meeting of the Parties which is an important step in tackling the multi-faceted and highly complex problem of illicit tobacco trade.”

The PMI position paper states, “The Protocol brings together countries against the scourge of illicit tobacco trade, and it will have a key role to play in helping to defeat the illegal tobacco market. Collaboration will be a key element of its success: national governments, international organizations and civil society working to fight illicit tobacco trade together.”

In PMI’s view, effective strategies for tackling the illicit tobacco trade must be articulated by product tracking and tracing based on open and recognized international standards; effective control and monitoring of Free Trade Zones; enhanced international cooperation; application of deterrent sanctions to illicit traders; licensing regimes that focus on tackling illicit trade and meaningful due diligence and record-keeping requirements.