Government confirms measures to curb illegal cigarette trade
The Ministry of Health announced on Thursday, May 28, that the government will ratify the international treaty to eliminate the illegal tobacco trade in Brazil. The goal is to try to reduce the smuggling of the product by hardening the feathers and creating a tracking control system.
Ministry data show that the proportion of illicit cigarettes among smokers rose from 15,8% in 2008 to 29,7% in 2013. Recalling that these products have no control by health authorities and represent a risk to the health of Brazilians. The Ministry will launch an advertising campaign warning of the risks of illegal trade.
Annually, billions of reais in taxes are no longer collected due to the illegal entry of products into the country. The National Forum Against Piracy and Illegality estimates that the country suffers a loss of around R $ 100 billion due to smuggling (sector losses + tax evasion), a sufficient resource to build 1,4 million popular houses, 105 thousand km of highways, 77 thousand hospital beds and 19 thousand daycare centers.
Source: Expresso MT (28/05)