Progress in Combating Cigarette Smuggling
Author Information
Author(s): Joossens L, Raw M
Primary Institution: Framework Convention Alliance (FCA), Brussels, Belgium
Hypothesis
Can controlling the supply chain effectively reduce cigarette smuggling?
Conclusion
Controlling the supply chain is crucial for reducing cigarette smuggling, as evidenced by successful measures in the UK, Italy, and Spain.
Supporting Evidence
- Smuggling in Spain and Italy fell from around 15% to 1-2% over the last decade.
- In the UK, the illegal cigarette market share dropped from 21% to 13% between 2000 and 2006.
- Customs seizures of smuggled Regal and Superkings cigarettes in the UK fell from over one billion in 2000-1 to less than five million in 2006-7.
Takeaway
This study shows that stopping the flow of cigarettes to illegal markets can help reduce smuggling. Countries like the UK, Italy, and Spain have successfully done this.
Methodology
The paper reviews the experiences of the UK, Italy, and Spain over the last decade in tackling cigarette smuggling.
Limitations
The study focuses primarily on large-scale organized smuggling and may not address all forms of illicit tobacco trade.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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