‘Both Sides of the Argument’? A critical review of existing evidence on the illicit trade in tobacco products in Canada

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (e2) ◽  
pp. e141-e147
Author(s):  
Julia Smith ◽  
Sheryl Thompson ◽  
Kelley Lee
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Complex Problem ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Illicit Trade ◽  
Tobacco Control Policies ◽  
Transnational Tobacco Companies

IntroductionThe illicit trade in tobacco products (ITTP) is widely recognised as a substantial and complex problem in Canada. However, the independence of available data and quality of analyses remains unknown. Reliable and accurate data on the scale and causes of the problem are needed to inform effective policy responses.MethodsWe searched the scholarly and grey literature using keywords related to ITTP in Canada. We identified 26 studies published in English since 2008 that present original research drawing on primary data. We analysed these studies for their independence from the tobacco industry, methodology, findings and gaps in knowledge.ResultsThe study finds 42% of the literature reviewed has links to the tobacco industry. These studies provide insufficient methodological detail, present higher estimates of the volume of ITTP and attribute the causes to higher rates of tobacco taxation. The classification of all indigenous tobacco sales as illicit, by both industry linked and independent studies, contributes to overestimates and serves the interests of transnational tobacco companies. There is need for independent and comprehensive data on the ITTP in Canada over time, across population groups and geographies.ConclusionWhile there is evidence that the ITTP in Canada is a major and complex issue that requires effective tobacco control policies, there is a limited evidence base on which to develop such responses. This review finds industry-linked studies lack independence, employ biased methodologies and serve tobacco industry interests. Independent studies present more rigorous approaches, but primarily focus on youth and the province of Ontario.

scholarly journals Memoranda of understanding: a tobacco industry strategy to undermine illicit tobacco trade policies

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (e2) ◽  
pp. e110-e118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Crosbie ◽  
Stella Bialous ◽  
Stanton A Glantz
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Illicit Trade ◽  
Accountability System ◽  
Philip Morris ◽  
The Media ◽  
Illicit Tobacco Trade ◽  
Transnational Tobacco Companies ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility Reports

ObjectiveAnalyse the transnational tobacco companies’ (TTCs) memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on illicit trade and how they could undermine the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (Protocol).MethodsReview of tobacco industry documents and websites, reports, news and media items using standard snowball search methods.ResultsFacing increasing pressure from governments and the FCTC to address illicit tobacco trade during the late 1990s, TTCs entered into voluntary partnerships embodied in MoUs with governments’ law enforcement and customs agencies. One of the earliest known MoUs was between Philip Morris International and Italy in 1999. TTCs agreed among themselves to establish MoUs individually but use the Italian MoU as a basis to establish similar connections with other governments to pre-empt more stringent regulation of illicit trade. TTCs report to have signed over 100 MoUs since 1999, and promote them on their websites, in Corporate Social Responsibility reports and in the media as important partnerships to combat illicit tobacco trade. There is no evidence to support TTCs’ claims that these MoUs reduce illicit trade. The terms of these MoUs are rarely made public. MoUs are non-transparent partnerships between government agencies and TTCs, violating FCTC Article 5.3 and the Protocol. MoUs are not legally binding so do not create an accountability system or penalties for non-compliance, rendering them ineffective at controlling illicit trade.ConclusionGovernments should reject TTC partnerships through MoUs and instead ratify and implement the FCTC and the Protocol to effectively address illicit trade in tobacco products.

scholarly journals Tobacco industry data on illicit tobacco trade: a systematic review of existing assessments

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Gallagher ◽  
K A Evans-Reeves ◽  
J L Hatchard ◽  
A B Gilmore
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Tax Avoidance ◽  
Control Policy ◽  
Tobacco Control Policies ◽  
Tobacco Tax ◽  
Illicit Tobacco Trade ◽  
Transnational Tobacco Companies

Abstract Background The tobacco industry portrays itself as key to solving Illicit Tobacco Trade (ITT) and presents its funding of research on ITT as its attempt to address the problem. In recent years, transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) have been a major funding source of data on ITT which is heavily publicised, especially when a tobacco control policy is being debated. Methods Papers and reports assessing tobacco industry-funded data on ITT were obtained via systematic searching of academic and grey literature through databases and Google/website searches respectively. Characteristics of assessed industry funded data and criticisms/praise of them as detailed in the assessments were coded using a framework based on existing literature on methods for measuring ITT and for assessing the quality of estimates on tobacco tax avoidance and evasion. Results Of the 35 assessments reviewed, 31 argued that tobacco industry estimates were higher than independent estimates. Criticisms identified problems with data collection (29), analytical methods (22) and presentation of results (21), which resulted in inflated ITT estimates or data on ITT that were presented in a misleading manner. Lack of transparency from data collection right through to presentation of findings was a key issue with insufficient information to allow replication of the findings frequently cited. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that the contribution of tobacco industry-funded data on ITT thus far in aiding understanding of ITT is extremely limited, if not counterproductive, as tobacco industry funded data on ITT is unreliable and primarily serves as a platform for the industry to lobby against tobacco control policies, including tax increases. Key messages TTC-funded data routinely exaggerate/overestimate levels of illicit when compared with independent sources and fail to meet the standards of peer-reviewed publications. A potential means for providing high-quality and transparent ITT research would be a tax on tobacco companies, with funds going towards independent development of established methodologies.

scholarly journals Introduction of standardised packaging and availability of illicit cigarettes: a difference-in-difference analysis of European Union survey data 2015–2018

Thorax ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony A Laverty ◽  
Christopher Millett ◽  
Nicholas S Hopkinson ◽  
Filippos T Filippidis
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Survey Data ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Difference In Difference ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Difference Analysis ◽  
Illicit Trade ◽  
European Union Countries ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Uk

Standardised packaging of tobacco products is intended to reduce the appeal of smoking, but the tobacco industry claims this increases illicit trade. We examined the percentage of people reporting being offered illicit cigarettes before and after full implementation of standardised packaging in the UK, Ireland and France and compared this to other European Union countries. Reported ever illicit cigarette exposure fell from 19.8% to 18.1% between 2015 and 2018 in the three countries fully implementing the policy, and from 19.6% to 17.0% in control countries (p for difference=0.320). Standardised packaging does not appear to increase the availability of illicit cigarettes.

scholarly journals Analysis of the tobacco industry’s interference in the enforcement of health warnings on tobacco products in Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (suppl 3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina de Abreu Perez ◽  
Vera Luiza da Costa e Silva ◽  
Stella Aguinaga Bialous
Keyword(s):  
Interest Groups ◽  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Strong Impact ◽  
Health Warnings ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Tobacco Control Policies ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Original Information ◽  
Regulatory Measure

Abstract: This article aims to analyze the relationship between the Brazilian government’s adoption of a regulatory measure with a strong impact on the population and the opposition by invested interest groups. The methodology involves the analysis of official documents on the enforcement of health warnings on tobacco products sold in Brazil. In parallel, a search was conducted for publicly available tobacco industry documents resulting from lawsuits, with the aim of identifying the industry’s reactions to this process. The findings suggest that various government acts were affected by direct interference from the tobacco industry. In some cases the interventions were explicit and in others they were indirect or difficult to identify. In light of the study’s theoretical framework, the article provides original information on the Brazilian process that can be useful for government policymakers in the strategic identification of tobacco control policies.

scholarly journals Triaging of Respiratory Protective Equipment on the assumed risk of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol exposure in patient-facing healthcare workers delivering secondary care: a rapid review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prashanth Ramaraj ◽  
Jonathan Thomas Super ◽  
Ruben Doyle ◽  
Christopher Aylwin ◽  
Shehan Hettiaratchy
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Respiratory Illness ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Uk Government ◽  
Quality Evidence

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Objectives: "In patient-facing healthcare workers delivering secondary care, what is the evidence behind UK Government PPE Guidance on surgical masks versus respirators for SARS-CoV-2 protection?" METHODS Two independent reviewers searched MEDLINE, Google Scholar and grey literature 11th-30th April 2020. Studies published on any date containing primary data comparing surgical facemasks and respirators specific to SARS-CoV-2, and studies underpinning government PPE guidance, were included. Appraisal was performed using CASP checklists. Results were synthesised by comparison of findings and appraisals. RESULTS In all three laboratory studies of 14 different respirators and 12 surgical facemasks, respirators were significantly more effective than facemasks in protection factors, reduction factors, filter penetrations, and total inspiratory leakages at differing particle sizes, mean inspiratory flows, and breathing rates. Tests included live viruses and inert particles on dummies and humans. In six clinical studies, 6,502 participants, there was no consistent definition of "exposure" to determine the efficacy of RPE. It is difficult to define "safe". The only statistically significant result found continuous use of respirators more effective in clinical respiratory illness compared to targeted use or surgical facemask. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of evidence on the comparison of FRSMs and respirators specific to SARS-CoV-2, and poor-quality evidence in other contexts. Indirectness results in extrapolation of non-SARS-CoV-2 specific data to guide UK Government PPE guidance. The appropriateness of this is unknown given the uncertainty over the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. 1. The evidence base for UK Government PPE guidelines is not based on SARS-CoV-2 and requires generalisation from low-quality evidence of other pathogens/particles. 2. There is a paucity of high-quality evidence regarding the efficacy of RPE specific to SARS-CoV-2. 3. HMG's PPE guidelines are underpinned by the assumption of droplet transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Triaging the use of FFP3 respirators might increase the risk of COVID-19 faced by some. FUNDING This review was unfunded and unsponsored.

scholarly journals Exploiting a low tax system: non-tax-induced cigarette price increases in Taiwan 2011–2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (e2) ◽  
pp. e126-e132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne Gao ◽  
Mattia Sanna ◽  
J Robert Branston ◽  
Hung-Yi Chiou ◽  
Yi-Hua Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Market Share ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
The Real ◽  
Tobacco Taxes ◽  
Real Price ◽  
Tobacco Control Policies ◽  
Philip Morris ◽  
Small Decline ◽  
Japan Tobacco ◽  
Transnational Tobacco Companies

IntroductionThis study aims to analyse the non-tax-induced price increasing strategies adopted by tobacco industry in Taiwan, a high-income country with comprehensive tobacco control policies but low tobacco taxes and a declining cigarette market.MethodsUsing governmental tax, price and inflation data, we analysed cigarette sales volume, affordability, affordability elasticity of demand, market share, pricing and net revenue of the top five tobacco companies in Taiwan from 2011 to 2016 when no tax increases occurred.ResultsTotal revenue after tax grew significantly for all the major transnational tobacco companies between 2011 and 2016 at the expense of the state-owned Taiwan Tobacco and Liquor Corporation. In terms of market share, Japan Tobacco (JT) was the leading company, despite experiencing a small decline, while British American Tobacco and Imperial Brands remained stable, and Philip Morris International increased from 4.7% to 7.0%. JT adopted the most effective pricing strategy by increasing the real price of its two most popular brands (Mevius and Mi-Ne) and, at the same time, doubling the sales of its cheaper and less popular brand Winston by leaving its nominal retail price unaltered.ConclusionsLow and unchanged tobacco taxes enable tobacco companies to use aggressive pricing and segmentation strategies to increase the real price of cigarettes without making them less affordable while simultaneously maintaining customers’ loyalty. It is crucial to continue monitoring the industry’s pricing strategies and to regularly increase taxes to promote public health and to prevent tobacco industry from profiting at the expense of government revenues.

Retailer Compliance with State and Local Policies on Tobacco Advertising

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-104
Author(s):  
Bukola Usidame ◽  
Edward A. Miller ◽  
Joanna E. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Tobacco Control ◽  
Retail Store ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Retail Stores ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Control Policies ◽  
Tobacco Advertising ◽  
Tobacco Control Policies ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Socioeconomic And Demographic Factors

Objectives: In this study, we assessed factors associated with retailer compliance with state and local government policies targeted at tobacco retail advertising in Massachusetts. Methods: Primary data collection was from 419 retail stores across 42 selected municipalities. Multi-level Bayesian logistic regression models assessed the relationship between retailer compliance and the comprehensiveness of local tobacco control policies; we also examined the number of tobacco ads, retail store type, and municipality-level socioeconomic and demographic factors. Results: Retail stores were fully compliant with state laws. At 92%, compliance with local tobacco advertising regulations was also high; a few retail stores advertised and sold flavored tobacco products and discounted tobacco products below the listed price. Retail stores with more tobacco ads and lower municipality-level smoking prevalence were less likely to be compliant with local tobacco advertising regulations relative to retail stores in other municipalities. Conclusions: Findings reveal a high degree of compliance with state and local tobacco advertising regulations in Massachusetts. State law in Massachusetts does not preempt local ordinances adopting more stringent tobacco control policies. Other states may exhibit similar levels of compliance should they follow Massachusetts example in allowing municipalities to adopt and enforce regulations that improve retail store compliance, hence limiting tobacco retail advertising.

scholarly journals What is the current state of knowledge and distribution of evidence on established policies and programs to regulate international wildlife trade? A systematic map protocol

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha H Cheng ◽  
Janine E. Robinson ◽  
Siri L.A. Öckerman ◽  
Neil A. Cox ◽  
Annette Olsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Wildlife Trade ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Systematic Map ◽  
Illicit Trade ◽  
Policies And Programs ◽  
International Wildlife Trade

Background: The international trade of wildlife (animals and plants) provides critical resources for human communities worldwide and contributes to local, national, and international economies. However, increasing demand presents a significant threat to both species and ecosystems as well as wildlife-centered livelihoods. Concerns regarding illicit trade of wildlife and unsustainable harvest has propelled international wildlife trade regulation to the top of political and conservation agendas. Consequently, a broad range of interventions have been established to regulate the trade and address biodiversity decline. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the impacts of international wildlife trade interventions, this protocol sets out the parameters for a systematic map which will comprehensively collate and describe the extent and distribution of the evidence base. The resulting map aims to provide insight to guide future research and inform practice. Methods: This systematic map will identify, map, and characterize the available evidence on the impacts of established policies and programs to address international wildlife trade. Specifically, the systematic map will describe: (1) the volume and distribution of studies that have examined impacts of various interventions on conservation, biological, and socioeconomic outcomes; (2) research methodologies that have been used to evaluate impacts; (3) distribution of studies on particular taxa and geographical areas; and (4) identify evidence gaps in need of more research. We will search two publication databases and several organizational and topical websites for relevant published articles and grey literature. In addition, a call for literature will be issued among relevant research networks. The titles, abstracts, and full texts of captured studies will be assessed against inclusion criteria. Double screening will be carried out on a subset of studies to ensure consistency. Relevant information from studies will be extracted using an a priori codebook. The resulting map will consist of descriptive statistics, a heat map in the form of a matrix, and a narrative synthesis describing characteristics of included studies.

scholarly journals The introduction of standardised packaging and availability of illicit cigarettes: a difference-in-difference analysis of European Union survey data 2015-2018.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony Laverty ◽  
Christopher Millett ◽  
Nicholas S Hopkinson ◽  
Filippos T Filippidis
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
United Kingdom ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Tobacco Exposure ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Difference Analysis ◽  
Illicit Trade ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
European Union Countries ◽  
Before And After

Standardised packaging of tobacco products is intended to reduce the appeal of smoking, but the tobacco industry claims this increases illicit trade. We examined the percentage of people reporting being regularly offered illicit cigarettes before and after implementation of standardised packaging in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France and compared this to other European Union countries. Reported regular illicit tobacco exposure fell from 2.7% to 2.3% between 2015 and 2018 in the three countries implementing the policy, and from 2.3% to 1.7% in control countries (p for difference=0.320). Standardised packaging does not appear to increase the availability of illicit cigarettes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document