Complicity in contraband: British American Tobacco and cigarette smuggling in Asia. (24th November 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Collin, J; LeGresley, E; MacKenzie, R; Lawrence, S; Lee, K
• Is Part Of: Tobacco control. Volume 13(2004)Supplement 2
• Page Start: ii104
• Page End: ii111
• Publication Date: 2004-11-24
• Subjects: BAT, British American Tobacco -- DNP, duty not paid -- FCTC, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control -- GT, general trade -- RBU, regional business unit -- SUTL, Singapura United Tobacco Limited -- TTCs, transnational tobacco companies -- WDF, wholesale duty free; Asia -- contraband -- smuggling -- strategies -- transit; Tobacco use -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Tobacco use -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Smoking -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Tobacco Use Disorder -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Tobacco -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 613.85
• DOI: 10.1136/tc.2004.009357
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-4563

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To examine the complicity of British American Tobacco (BAT) in cigarette smuggling in Asia, and to assess the centrality of illicit trade to regional corporate strategy. Methods: Analysis of previously confidential documents from BAT's Guildford depository. An iterative strategy combined searches based on geography, organisational structure, and key personnel, while corporate euphemisms for contraband were identified by triangulation. Results: BAT documents demonstrate the strategic importance of smuggling across global, regional, national, and local levels. Particularly important in Asia, contraband enabled access to closed markets, created pressure for market opening, and was highly profitable. Documents demonstrate BAT's detailed oversight of illicit trade, seeking to reconcile the conflicting demands of control and deniability. Conclusions: BAT documents demonstrate that smuggling has been driven by corporate objectives, indicate national measures by which the problem can be addressed, and highlight the importance of a coordinated global response via WHO's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.