Tobacco Asia

Volume 20, Number 3

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16 tobaccoasia FRONT PAGE NEWS 卷首新闻 evidenced-based regulatory framework, [BAT Nigeria] continually supports the objective of ensuring the effective implementation of practical tobacco control measures, provided that these measures adequately combat smoking activity in a manner which is proportion- ate, not duplicating or contradicting existing laws, and does not unjustifiably limit any right or objective." He also stated that for regulation to be effective, it must be very clear in terms of set objectives in order to reduce the health impact of tobacco use and should not leave the market at the mercy of smugglers and criminal gangs. A year after the enactment of TCA, enforcement is yet to be fully imple- mented in Nigeria and this has provided opportunities for illicit products to thrive due to exploitation of the non-enforcement status. Messanvi added: "We are a respon- sible organization that has constantly paid taxes and abided by the laws and regulations of Nigeria, supporting a success story of foreign direct invest- ment and local production in our operations. We have been proactive by ensuring compliance with all require- ments of the law. At this point, we can only appeal to all relevant government agencies saddled with the responsibility of implementation to speedily com- mence with the enforcement of TCA." He further stated: "As a responsible organization, we will continue to abide by all laws of the country we operate in and will support the effective implemen- tation of [TCA] with a positive contribu- tion of setting a new global benchmark in tobacco control." Australia Developing Resistance to Anti- Smoke Measures New research into the habits of smokers has found many are unaffected by anti-smoking policies like plain packag- ing, and in some cases, are actually encouraged to smoke. Associate professor Simone Dennis from the Australian National University (ANU) spent a decade studying the changing experience of the modern-day smoker, and the effects of plain packaging, graphic warnings, and increased tobacco prices. Her research found that not only were many smokers smoking despite health warnings, but that some would seek out cigarettes because of them. Dennis said she encountered young pregnant women who were encouraged, not deterred, by some of the warnings. "They were absolutely terrified of giving birth to a large baby, that was their primary fear," Dennis said. "So they would seek out packets that had the message smoking could make a baby smaller, and deliberately smoke in order to accomplish that aim. [It's] very obviously not how the messaging is intended to work." Dennis said many smokers would exchange packets or move their cigarettes into other non- labelled containers to avoid having to see certain health warnings. Dennis also said there was a misconception that if smokers were given information on the health dangers, they would quit. She said for many that approach would not drive them to stop smoking. "Figure out why they're smoking, what it means to them, what it does for them, all of that sort of stuff," Dennis said. "And then involve people in crafting strategies." France Plain Packaging Mandated Plain packaging will be enforced as part of a law to be presented in France in the coming months, health minister Marisol Touraine said recently at a cabinet meeting. The law will allow for the cigarette brand names to be stated on the packages with standardized "neutral" lettering. Touraine aims to cut the number of smokers in France by 10% by 2019 and for the country to have less than 20% of adults smoking by 2024. France is joining Britain and Ireland in moving toward banning distinctive tobacco packaging. With 31% percent of adults smoking daily, France has the third-highest rate of smoking in Western Europe behind Greece and Austria, according to the World Health Organization. Imperial Tobacco, the maker of Gauloises Blondes and Davidoff cigarettes, says the packaging ban won't work and is considering legal action. "The plain-packaging debate rumbles on in a small number of countries including France, but the case remains that there is no credible evidence to support its introduction anywhere," Imperial said in an emailed statement. "It makes no sense for the French government to rush in." Policymakers, tobacco executives, and analysts are looking to Australia, where standardized packaging was introduced in December 2012. The tobacco firms say that after a year and a half of plain packaging there, the introduction has led to an increase in illicit tobacco sales. On the other hand, anti-smoking group ASH says Australian government figures showing a drop in adult smoking rates are a direct result of plain packaging. "It is baffling that without any form of consultation with businesses or the public, a French health minister would propose a policy which breaches several European Union laws," said British American Tobacco in a statement recently. "Not only would plain packag- ing not help achieve any health benefit but it would reduce much needed tax revenue for the French government as more French smokers turn to the black market for branded packs or travel to buy tobacco at border shops." EU EU Loses $12.7bn on Smuggling A new report says that some 53 billion illegal cigarettes were consumed in member states last year. It also says that as a result of the illegal trade, national governments are losing up to €11.3 billion (US$12.7 billion) in revenues and that 88% of illegal cigarettes now come from non-EU countries. The report claims that illicit cigarettes account for 1 in every 10 cigarettes consumed in Europe. The study, which covers the 28 member states, as well as Switzerland and Norway, says that the illegal cigarette market in the EU accounts for around 10% of total consumption.

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