Assessing contraband tobacco in two jurisdictions: a direct collection of cigarette butts

Stratton, Julie; Shiplo, Samantha; Ward, Megan; Babayan, Alexey; Stevens, Adam; Edwards, Sarah

doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3229-0

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“… 20 In addition, the inspection of discarded cigarette packs or cigarette butts can be used to determine whether all taxes have been paid. This approach has been recently used in France, 21 Canada, 22 23 the USA, 24 25 the UK 26 and Warsaw, Poland. 27 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Levels and trends in cigarette contraband in Canada

2016

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BackgroundThere is overwhelming evidence that increases in tobacco taxes reduce tobacco use, save lives and increase government tax revenue. High taxes, however, create an incentive to devise ways to avoid or evade tobacco taxes through contraband tobacco. The associated consequences are significant and call for an accurate measurement of contraband's magnitude. However, its illegal nature makes the levels and trends in contraband intrinsically difficult to measure accurately.ObjectiveTo examine levels and trends in cigarette contraband in Canada.MethodsWe employed 2 approaches: first, we contrasted estimates of tax-paid cigarettes sales with consumption estimates based on survey data; second, we used data from several individual-level surveys that examined smokers' purchasing and use behaviours. We placed a particular emphasis on the provinces of Québec and Ontario because existing research suggests that cigarette contraband levels are far higher than in any other province.ResultsThe estimates presented show a clear upward trend from the early 2000s in cigarette contraband in Québec and Ontario followed by, on the whole, a decreasing trend from about 2007 to 2009. None of the data presented provide support to the narrative that cigarette contraband has been increasing in recent years. Of note are Québec estimates which suggest relatively low levels of cigarette contraband since 2010, at levels no higher than in the early 2000s.ConclusionsThe data presented suggest that policies to tackle cigarette contraband introduced from the mid-2000s to late 2000s, at both federal and provincial levels, may have dampened the demand for contraband cigarettes.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Levels and trends in cigarette contraband in Canada

2016

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“…To be informative, butt collections must protect against bias based on location. In their independent study of two municipalities, Stratton et al found a much higher proportion of contraband butts in the location closest to indigenous reserves 47. They further note that analysis of butts requires specific controls for error in identifying contraband and, unlike pack swap surveys, there is no opportunity to ask smokers if the purchase was tax-exempt or tax-evasion.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Developed from Merriman,27 Reuter and Majmundat,28 Ross3 and Stratton et al 47*Some studies used multiple methods.ITTP, illicit trade in tobacco products.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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‘Both Sides of the Argument’? A critical review of existing evidence on the illicit trade in tobacco products in Canada

2019

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IntroductionThe illicit trade in tobacco products (ITTP) is widely recognised as a substantial and complex problem in Canada. However, the independence of available data and quality of analyses remains unknown. Reliable and accurate data on the scale and causes of the problem are needed to inform effective policy responses.MethodsWe searched the scholarly and grey literature using keywords related to ITTP in Canada. We identified 26 studies published in English since 2008 that present original research drawing on primary data. We analysed these studies for their independence from the tobacco industry, methodology, findings and gaps in knowledge.ResultsThe study finds 42% of the literature reviewed has links to the tobacco industry. These studies provide insufficient methodological detail, present higher estimates of the volume of ITTP and attribute the causes to higher rates of tobacco taxation. The classification of all indigenous tobacco sales as illicit, by both industry linked and independent studies, contributes to overestimates and serves the interests of transnational tobacco companies. There is need for independent and comprehensive data on the ITTP in Canada over time, across population groups and geographies.ConclusionWhile there is evidence that the ITTP in Canada is a major and complex issue that requires effective tobacco control policies, there is a limited evidence base on which to develop such responses. This review finds industry-linked studies lack independence, employ biased methodologies and serve tobacco industry interests. Independent studies present more rigorous approaches, but primarily focus on youth and the province of Ontario.

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