UK approves protocol aimed at reducing illicit tobacco market

From: Talking Retail

By Liz Wells

The UK has become the 40th country to approve an international agreement aimed at significantly reducing the illicit tobacco market, both in the UK and worldwide, enabling it to become international law.

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In the past two financial years HM Revenue and Customs and UK Border Force seized more than 2.8 billion illicit cigarettes and over 660 tonnes of hand-rolling tobacco.

Robert Jenrick, the exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said: “Illicit tobacco costs the UK economy £2.5bn a year. That is why we are cracking down on this unlawful trade, which denies vital funding for our public services and can lead to health risks.

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