Elimination of Illicit Trade in tobacco products 

The elimination of all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products, including smuggling, illicit manufacturing and counterfeiting, is one of the most important measures to reduce the supply of tobacco products. 

Illicit trade makes the tobacco products much cheaper and affordable, undermines the tobacco taxation and health policies. By making available “ cheaper” tobacco products, the illicit trade market contributes to an increase in tobacco consumption. 

The effective implementation of price and tax measures, a key demand reduction measure, is  therefore closely interlinked to elimination of illicit trade in tobacco products. Art 15 of WHO FCTC  seeks commitment of Parties to the WHO FCTC to adopt strong measures to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products