in the EU, points out Philip Morris International (PMI) in a text posts that are published and which describes solutions for addressing the illicit trade in tobacco products within the EU.
According to the PMI, only in the EU, the illegal market amounts to more than 53 billion cigarettes, depriving the governments of revenue from taxes of about 11,3 billion. euro. In addition, the illegal trade adversely affects the tobacco industry as well as the entire supply chain because of the loss of profits.
The Alvise Giustiniani, Head of the Department against the smuggling of PMI, said: “As the agreement of the ARMY with the EU against smuggling has come to an end, it is important to maintain and enhance an effective platform for the fight against the illicit trade in the EU. We will continue the great efforts to combat this crime. The EU is considering a new law that will cover illicit trade in the framework of the tobacco products Directive and we strongly believe that this is a unique opportunity for the EU and the industry to put in place an effective and permanent solution to this growing and complex issue”.
The document, which captures the location of the PMI, highlights a number of key principles that should guide the implementing laws of both article 15 (Traceability) and article 16 (Safety Feature) of the European Directive for tobacco products. In particular, the document stresses the importance of open standards that are cross-functional between different geographical areas and industrial sectors, monitored and controlled independently and do not disturb the production.
Mr Giustiniani added: “In 2004, the EU agreement required by PMI to develop and implement a technological solution which has now attracted the interest of the world and of the industrial community. However, we are a company specialized in traceability. The illegal trade in tobacco can be effectively treated if the manufacturers have the ability to choose from a range of technologies, often using them in combination for the purpose of achieving the best defense against the unscrupulous criminals, which can be controlled by an independent third party, which will be defined by the Authorities”.
The document of the PMI stresses the need to encourage a competitive environment among providers of technological solutions, so that the manufacturers can choose the most modern, cutting-edge solutions for tackling the illicit trade. Reiterates the commitment of the PMI in the FCTC Protocol of the World Health Organization, which requires a holistic global solution to a global problem”, instead of a solution, especially for the EU.
In 11.3 bn. euro amount to the tax losses in the E.E. from the smuggled cigarettes.
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