Tobacco Tactics

    Forms of Unnecessary Interaction

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    The government accommodates requests from the tobacco industry for a longer time frame for implementation or postponement of tobacco control law. (e.g. 180 days is common for PHW, Tax increase can be implemented within 1 month) (Rec 7.1)

    According to the Law since 2016 representatives of the tobacco companies that produced tobacco products and representative of association of tobacco producers are participating in the process of destroying illicit tobacco. State Fiscal Service and other responsible authorities together with representatives of tobacco companies ensure that illicit and counterfeit tobacco products are destroyed (burned)[1].

    The fact that in 2018 State Fiscal Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding with “Ukrtiutiun” Ukrainian Association of Tobacco Producers (unites PMI, BAT, JTI, and Imperial Tobacco) shows that the Government accepts support from the tobacco industry to tackle illegal trade and the illegal movement of tobacco products and equipment, as well as solving other issues aimed at protecting the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of individuals, business entities, and the interests of the state[2].

    During two meetings[3] in 2018 between State Fiscal Service and “Ukrtiutiun” Ukrainian Association of Tobacco Producers questions related to countering illicit trade. Therefore, Government accepts ideas, proposals, recommendations from the tobacco industry.

    The government gives privileges, incentives, exemptions or benefits to the tobacco industry (Rec 7.3)

    In 2018 State Fiscal Service signed a Memorandum of Understanding with “Ukrtiutiun” Ukrainian Association of Tobacco Producers (unites PMI, BAT, JTI, and Imperial Tobacco). The memorandum defines actions aimed at counteracting illegal trade and the illegal movement of tobacco products and equipment, as well as solving other issues aimed at protecting the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of individuals, business entities, and the interests of the state[4].