This Independence Day, Philip Morris International’s (PMI) India affiliate, IPM India, reinforces its commitment towards illicit tobacco trade prevention to safeguard India’s economic interest & protect consumers. Illicit tobacco trade is a major threat and growing challenge worldwide. India has witnessed a significant rise in illicit in recent years and it only seems to rise with time. As per 2022 FICCI Cascade study, the overall market for illegal cigarettes in India is estimated to be at ₹22,930 crore.
As per the reports, the total loss to the Govt. of India estimated for 2022, on account of the illicit markets in the tobacco industry is ₹13,331 crore, up from ₹6,240 crore in 2012, an increase by 46%. According to the Tobacco Institute of India (TII), the illegal cigarette trade comprising internationally smuggled and locally manufactured tax-evaded cigarettes account for as much as one-fourth of the cigarette industry in India.
As per Euromonitor International’s 2023 report, Illicit cigarette volumes in India reached 30.2 billion sticks in 2022, trailing only behind China and Brazil. Navaneel Kar, Managing Director, IPM India said, “Eliminating illicit trade has been a longstanding priority for us and continues to be an integral part of our efforts to drive operational excellence and build a sustainable future. Globally, PMI’s strategy to prevent illicit trade focuses on 5 critical areas- research & intelligence, protecting supply chain, partnerships, cooperation with law enforcement and raising awareness.”
