Nearly 10% of the global cigarette trade is illicit; this is significantly higher in low and middle-income countries, reaching up to 50% and above. This makes Illicit tobacco trade a worldwide danger to public health and economy.
Among the negative consequences of illicit trade are:
Track and trace systems of tobacco products will become obligatory in the EU by 20 May 2019 due to the implementation of Art. 15 and 16 of the Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) (10). They are also due for implementation globally based on Art. 8 of the WHO FCTC Illicit Trade Protocol.
Track and trace systems are successfully used to control tobacco production and trade in several countries in the world by determining the current and past locations, the time and status and other information of a unique item. They are shown to significantly increase tax collection, create new legal businesses, improve public health and consequently decrease smoking prevalence.
Read more about track and trace systems and the tobacco industry’s internal controlling systems CODENTIFY and INEXTO in the new ENSP fact sheet Tracking and tracing to fight illicit trade in tobacco products.
In response to the open letter that pro-vaping organizations, with suspicious relations to the tobacco industry, sent to the new Minister of Health requesting to include vaping products in...
As the holiday season approaches, the second edition of the ENSP Tobacco Free Advent Calendar (#TFAC2023) is launched, bringing a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the harmful effects...
The ENSP together with the Hellenic Cancer Society will organize a high-level event, taking place in Athens on 14th and 15th December 2023, under the auspices of the Hellenic...
