EU calls on Ukraine to fight against illicit tobacco trade

He said the share of tobacco illegal trafficking before 2008 was less than 1%. Yet, in 2013, the illicit tobacco market in Ukraine accounted for 8.5% in 2013. Such a significant increase was due to excise due policy in Ukraine: excise rates were increased three times within the year. However, the share had been reduced to 1.1% by the end of 2016, the official said at a meeting of an ad hoc group on combating illicit tobacco turnover in Odesa on October 25.

Read alsoWorld Health Organization reports 20% reduction in smokers in Ukraine since 2010 In August 2017, the government of Ukraine approved the Strategy for Preventing Illicit Tobacco Production and Turnover until 2021. The strategy sets out measures to enhance Ukraine's legislation, operational capacity and infrastructure for law enforcement agencies to effectively detect, investigate, seize and prosecute large-scale tobacco smuggling. That is why the EUBAM head called on the representatives of Ukraine's state agencies to promptly develop and implement a detailed action plan.

According to him, improving cooperation is an essential component of effective counteraction against tobacco smuggling. The advantage of the ad hoc group forum is that it unites all the parties concerned in one place and stimulates their interaction. When discussing the issues, EUBAM always takes into account citizens' opinions and public safety, he added.