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

Russian Duma Committee Moves to Embed Local Vape Prohibitions
Russian Duma Committee Moves to Embed Local Vape Prohibitions
Fedot Tumusov, First Deputy Chair of the Duma Health Committee, called vapes the “most dangerous and least controlled” nicotine product and said restricting them should be a priority. While refining a government bill, the committee proposes granting regions the power to ban vape sales. Committee Chair Sergey Leonov said the illicit e-cig market exceeds 60%, with new licensing aimed at cleaning up the sector.
Oct.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock
Feature | Vape Politics in Russia: Local Governments Push Forward Despite Legislative Deadlock
As Russia’s federal vape policy stalls, regional governors are racing to implement local bans—now with the backing of President Vladimir Putin. The divide between swift local action and delayed national legislation is fueling debate over health, regulation, and the country’s broader approach to nicotine control.
Oct.28
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
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Chonburi Police Raid Major E-Cigarette and Vape Liquid Warehouse Worth Over US$920,000
Thailand Chonburi provincial police, in coordination with multiple agencies, raided a large-scale warehouse in downtown Chonburi used for producing and distributing e-cigarettes and vape liquids. Two Chinese nationals were arrested, and more than 40 categories of contraband—including vapes, e-liquids, and production equipment—were seized, with an estimated total value exceeding US$920,000 (about 30 million Thai baht).
Nov.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Lawmakers Clash as Mexico Moves to Criminalize Sale and Promotion of Vapes
Lawmakers Clash as Mexico Moves to Criminalize Sale and Promotion of Vapes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies Health Commission has approved a bill establishing a total ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, with penalties ranging from one to eight years in prison and fines between Mex$11,000 and Mex$226,000 (USD ≈$600–$12,300). The proposal sparked controversy among opposition lawmakers, who argued that the legislation criminalizes users rather than focusing on regulation and prevention.
Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI Extends Ferrari Partnership to 2026, Bringing ZYN Nicotine Pouches to F1
PMI Extends Ferrari Partnership to 2026, Bringing ZYN Nicotine Pouches to F1
Philip Morris International (PMI) has announced that it will extend its partnerships with Scuderia Ferrari HP and the Ferrari Challenge through the 2026 season and beyond, with its smoke-free nicotine pouch brand ZYN set to appear on Ferrari’s F1 livery for the first time from the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The company estimates that, as of June 30, 2025, more than 41 million adult consumers were using its smoke-free products worldwide.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai