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.


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


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