Australia Leads COP11 Seminars as Exploding Illicit Tobacco Market Raises Questions

Key Point：

• Australia is leading or co-organising three COP11 seminars on vaping prevention, Indigenous health leadership, and warning-label design.
• British American Tobacco Australia says the Albanese government pushed excise “into the stratosphere,” fueling an unprecedented black-market boom.
• Illicit cigarette sales doubled from 2022 to 2025 and are projected to reach 8 billion sticks in 2026.
• Australia’s delegation includes officials from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
• Seminar topics include preventing youth uptake, Indigenous-led strategies, and innovative warning-label design.

2Firsts, November 20, 2025 — According to SkyNews.com.au, Australia has dispatched officials to COP11 in Switzerland and is taking a high-profile role by organising or co-organising three seminars focused on global tobacco and vape policy.

This proactive stance contrasts sharply with warnings from the tobacco industry, which says Australia is experiencing an unprecedented explosion in illicit cigarette sales — a trend not seen elsewhere in the world. A spokesperson for British American Tobacco Australia said the “acceleration” of illegal tobacco was linked to the Albanese government pushing excise taxes “into the stratosphere.”

Illegal cigarette consumption has doubled from 3.1 billion sticks in 2022 to 6.6 billion by the end of 2025. In 2026, sales are forecast to reach 8 billion, representing a 158% increase over four years.

A government spokesperson said the delegation includes officials from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Australia’s involvement includes three seminars:

Preventing the uptake of e-cigarettes

Co-organised by Australia, the session explores policy design, enforcement measures and evidence used to curb youth vaping.

Indigenous Leadership, Equity, and Community-Driven Solutions

Run by Australia, this session highlights Indigenous-led approaches from Australia, North America and Pacific nations.

Warning by design

Co-organised by Australia, the session showcases innovative labelling and packaging strategies to strengthen health communication.

Image source: Sky News Australia