In a powerful address at the Asia Security: Anti-counterfeiting, Trademark, and Brand Protection conference, Rodney Van Dooren, Head of Illicit Trade Prevention at Philip Morris International (PMI), emphasized the critical role of international collaboration in combating illicit trade. The conference, held on July 23-24 in Delhi, brought together brand owners, regulators, law enforcement, and policymakers to discuss strategies against illicit trade and counterfeiting.
Van Dooren stressed that prohibition alone is insufficient and that robust regulation and enforcement are essential. “Approximately 12% of global cigarette consumption is illicit, costing governments $40.5 billion in lost taxes,” he noted. In India, nearly one in four cigarettes is illicit, resulting in close to $2 billion in tax losses. He highlighted the complexity of the illicit cigarette trade, describing it as a global network that spans from tobacco fields to bustling cities.
Discussing PMI’s approach, Van Dooren outlined the company’s focus on research, intelligence, and partnerships with law enforcement. He also advocated for leveraging existing trade agreements and harmonizing regulations across ASEAN to tackle this transnational issue effectively.The conference also shed light on the impact of illicit trade on markets like Silchar, where counterfeit and smuggled goods pose significant challenges to local businesses and authorities. As experts from around the world shared insights and strategies, the need for cohesive action against illicit trade became even clearer.
