Globally, trade in tobacco is a billion-dollar industry which includes the entire value chain, from tobacco farming to first processing, manufacturing, suppliers, distribution networks, taxes and consumers. However, the tobacco industry is being negatively impacted by illicit trade. According to British American Tobacco (BAT), it is estimated that over 456 billion cigarettes are sold illegally in the global tobacco market each year.Illicit trade in tobacco is a complex issue which affects the economic and social fabric of our society, inclusive of areas such as national security, tax collection, trademark rights, brand investments and quality. With respect to cigarettes, illicit trade includ... [Read more]