Some Australian illicit products labeled ‘illegal’

The Australian tobacco industry’s claim that the illegal trade in tobacco products has been increasing seems to have been borne out, at least in respect of New South Wales (NSW).

According to a story by Nicole Hasham for the Sydney Morning Herald, NSW Health has said that its inspectors have detected increased sales of illicit tobacco that is sold in packs without health warnings and that is sometimes labelled ‘illegal tobacco’.

Over the past two years, illegal sales were said to have been detected 28 times at retailers throughout Sydney. Of those, 13 have not yet been prosecuted.

One problem seems to be that the health department’s powers extend only to photographing and taking samples of illicit tobacco. Inspectors are unable to seize the products.

Health inspectors say also that retailers caught with illicit tobacco frequently claim it is not for sale, despite possessing large quantities beyond that which could reasonably be considered for personal use.

In part, the debate about the illegal trade was sparked by British American Tobacco Australia saying it would consider launching a cheap make-your-own cigarette brand to compete with illicit products. By producing cigarettes at home with this type of tobacco and a high-tech making machine, smokers could make 25 cigarettes for about A$9, which would offer a saving against the price of the cheapest factory-made brands: A$15 per pack of 25.

Cancer Council NSW tobacco control manager Scott Walsberger was quoted as saying that the BAT Australia plan was a “desperate attempt by the industry to recruit and retain smokers”. He said data had shown that the use of illicit tobacco had declined in recent years.

But NSW Labor’s health spokesman Walt Secord said international research had shown that illicit tobacco consumption was expected to surpass licit tobacco sales worldwide within five years. He offered bi-partisan support for “sensible and tough proposals,” such as tougher laws and community education.