Guide for the Implementation of the Protocol on Elimination of Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products in BiH Published

(Patria) - Within the project 'Strengthening the process of combating smuggling and illicit trade of tobacco products within EU integration', the PROI Association presented a Guide for institutions in BiH - "Approach to Reducing the Illicit Tobacco Market Based on the World Health Organization Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products".

The World Health Organization Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products is an international instrument aimed at combating the smuggling and illicit trade of tobacco products. By ratifying and implementing this Protocol, signatory states, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, recognize the importance and decide on joint action to combat the illicit tobacco market, in order to contribute to higher tax revenues, protect the health of their citizens, and improve public health.

Research conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Economics, University of Banja Luka provided an estimate of the total cost of tobacco consumption in BiH and showed that in 2019, 35.3% of smokers consumed cigarettes from the black market, while 32.3% of hand-rolled and industrial cigarette consumption was illegal. The share of the black market in BiH significantly exceeds the world average, which is around 11%.

The Guide “Approach to Reducing the Illicit Tobacco Market Based on the World Health Organization Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products” provides comprehensive guidelines and best practices for institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina to effectively implement the Protocol and counter the illicit trade of tobacco products. This Guide is the result of thorough research and expert work and represents a significant contribution to the fight against the black market.

You can download the Guide at this link.