Combatting the Normalization of Illegal Cigarette Purchases in Adults

Jul.09.2024
Combatting the Normalization of Illegal Cigarette Purchases in Adults
Research by Japan Tobacco International reveals a normalization of illegal cigarette purchases in countries including the Philippines, France, UK, and Canada.

According to a study conducted by Japan Tobacco International (referred to as JTI), the purchase of illegal cigarettes has become increasingly normalized among adult smokers in the Philippines, as well as in France, the UK, and Canada. Governments and relevant agencies worldwide need to be highly vigilant of this trend and promptly implement effective measures to combat the illegal tobacco market.


Research data shows that approximately 33% of adult smokers in the Philippines are willing to purchase illicit tobacco, while about 43% of surveyed smokers say they are "willing to buy tobacco they know is illegally produced or sold." So far, the government has lost around 7 billion pesos (1.2 billion USD) due to illegal cigarettes and e-cigarette products.


Japan Tobacco International (JTI) has stated that they will continue their efforts to combat illegal tobacco trade. They plan to closely collaborate with relevant organizations worldwide and actively educate the public about the dangers of illicit cigarettes. JTI also aims to gain more support and assistance from governments and relevant agencies in order to collectively combat the illegal tobacco market and keep adult smokers around the world away from illegal cigarettes.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

South Korea’s Tobacco Law Amendment to Include Synthetic Nicotine, Projected to Add Up to $340 Million in Local Tax Revenue
South Korea’s Tobacco Law Amendment to Include Synthetic Nicotine, Projected to Add Up to $340 Million in Local Tax Revenue
Following the National Assembly’s approval of amendments to the Tobacco Business Act on September 22, redefining tobacco to include synthetic nicotine, the Korea Institute of Local Finance (KILF) estimates that local governments could gain between $37 million and $340 million in additional tax revenue in 2025 from tobacco consumption and local education taxes.
Nov.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Jordan Reduces HTP and Vape Tax Burden as National Smoking Rate Hits 51.6%
Jordan Reduces HTP and Vape Tax Burden as National Smoking Rate Hits 51.6%
Jordan has published amendments to its special tax system reducing taxes on heated tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and e-liquids, with some reductions reaching 50%. Under the revised rules, taxes on devices and liquids have been lowered, prompting concern among medical and parliamentary circles. The government has not issued an official explanation for the move.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UPC Court of Appeal refuses to revive VMR’s European vape patent, upholding lack of inventiveness
UPC Court of Appeal refuses to revive VMR’s European vape patent, upholding lack of inventiveness
The Unified Patent Court’s Court of Appeal declined on Dec. 29 to revive a European patent held by VMR Products LLC, upholding a finding that the patent is not inventive over earlier devices. The decision said adding a window in the vape’s outer shell to reveal the internal cartridge holding vape liquid was an obvious, routine adaptation based on an earlier U.S. patent and general knowledge.
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
New Zealand Survey Finds Adult Daily Vaping Prevalence at 11.7%, Concentrated Among Youth and Disadvantaged Groups)
New Zealand Survey Finds Adult Daily Vaping Prevalence at 11.7%, Concentrated Among Youth and Disadvantaged Groups)
A survey report released by the Public Health Communication Centre Aotearoa shows that despite New Zealand implementing stricter vaping regulations in 2025, including a ban on disposable products and tighter flavour restrictions, daily vaping rates continue to rise. The research body urges close monitoring of behavioural changes following the new rules coming into force.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Interview | Bengt Wiberg: Why the Oral Health Risks of Nicotine Pouches Merit Further Study
2Firsts Interview | Bengt Wiberg: Why the Oral Health Risks of Nicotine Pouches Merit Further Study
As nicotine pouches gain global traction as a lower-risk alternative to smoking, questions are emerging about their potential oral health effects. In a 2Firsts interview, Stingfree AB founder Bengt Wiberg discusses why gum irritation and oral lesions warrant closer scrutiny within the broader framework of tobacco harm reduction.
Jan.06
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Thailand’s latest national health survey shows a sharp increase in e-cigarette use among people under 30, particularly among female adolescents. Researchers found that vaping has not reduced overall tobacco harm and has instead driven growth in new nicotine users, with younger ages of initiation. Public health experts urged sustained enforcement and comprehensive policies centred on banning e-cigarettes, strengthening law enforcement and expanding public awareness to protect children and youth.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai