Decrease in cross-border tobacco purchases despite intensification of antitobacco policies in France

Gomajee, Ramchandar; Torregrossa, Hugo; Bolze, Camille; Melchior, Maria; El-Khoury, Fabienne

doi:10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2019-055540

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…Both effects seem to be decreasing, with the trend in the cross-border effect being stronger. This last highlight is consistent with recent evidence on cross-border transactions between Spain and France 13 .…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 91%

“…Some studies have suggested that tobacco tax policies to control the prevalence of smoking and reduce national healthcare expenditures should be accompanied by a greater effort to curb smuggling activities across borders 11 . On the other hand, some studies have analyzed the impact of plain tobacco packaging on illicit trade 12 , 13 . Finally, there are some studies that have carried out a type of EPS parallel to those commissioned by TTCs to verify their veracity 14 , 15 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Measuring anomalies in cigarette sales using official data from Spanish provinces: Are the anomalies detected by the Empty Pack Surveys (EPSs) used by Transnational Tobacco Companies (TTCs) the only anomalies?

Cadahia¹,

Golpe²,

Álvarez³

et al. 2021

Tob. Induc. Dis.

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INTRODUCTION There is a literature that questions the veracity of the studies commissioned by transnational tobacco companies (TTCs) to measure the illicit tobacco trade. Furthermore, there are studies that have indicated that the empty pack surveys (EPSs) ordered by TTCs overestimate the size of this trade. This study simultaneously analyzed whether the EPSs established in each of the 47 Spanish provinces were accurate and measured anomalies observed in provinces where sales exceed expected values. METHODS To achieve the objectives of this study, provincial data on cigarette sales, prices and GDP per capita were used. These data were modeled with machine learning techniques that are widely used to detect anomalies in other areas. RESULTS The magnitude of the average anomaly in provinces where sales are higher than their expected values exceeds 40%, while the average anomaly in provinces where sales are lower than their expected values (as detected by the EPSs) is <15%. Furthermore, the results reveal that there is a clear geographical pattern to the provinces in which sales below reasonable values are observed. In addition, the values provided by the EPSs in Spain, as indicated in the previous literature, are slightly overestimated. Finally, some regions bordering other countries or that are highly influenced by tourism have observed sales that are higher than their expected values. CONCLUSIONS Cooperation between countries in their tobacco control policies can have better effects than policies developed based on information from a single country. The lack of control over the transactions of tourists and the inhabitants of bordering countries can cause important anomalies that distort the understanding of tobacco consumption that governments have based on official data.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Measuring anomalies in cigarette sales using official data from Spanish provinces: Are the anomalies detected by the Empty Pack Surveys (EPSs) used by Transnational Tobacco Companies (TTCs) the only anomalies?

Cadahia¹,

Golpe²,

Álvarez³

et al. 2021

Tob. Induc. Dis.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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Price minimizing behaviours by smokers in Europe (2006–20): evidence from the International Tobacco Control Project

Geboers

Nagelhout

Vries

et al. 2022

European Journal of Public Health

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Background Effectiveness of tobacco taxation can be undermined through smokers applying price-minimizing behaviours rather than quitting or reducing consumption. Common price-minimizing strategies are buying cheaper tobacco [discount brands or roll-your-own (RYO) tobacco], bulk buying and cross-border purchasing. This study analyses trends in and factors associated with such behaviours in four European countries from 2006 to 2020. Methods Data came from adult smokers participating in the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Surveys conducted between 2006 and 2020 in England (9 waves, n = 768–4149), France (4 waves, n = 1415–1735), Germany (5 waves, n = 513–1515) and the Netherlands (10 waves, n = 1191–2177). Country-specific generalized estimating equation regression models were fit to assess trends in smoking RYO tobacco, discount brands, bulk buying and cross-border purchasing within the European Union. Results Buying discount brands or RYO tobacco was the most common strategy in all countries, except France. Except for buying discount brands, estimates of price-minimizing behaviours were highest in France (2019: RYO = 27.2%, discount brands = 17.3%, bulk buying = 34.1%, cross-border purchasing = 34.2%), and lowest in Germany (2018: RYO = 18.6%, discount brands = 43.7%, bulk buying = 8.0%, cross-border purchasing = 9.8%). Direction and magnitude of trends differed by country, and behaviour. Young smokers were less likely to buy in bulk. Low-income and low-education smokers were more likely to purchase RYO tobacco or discount brands. The association with discount brands was not found for French low-income smokers. Conclusions Smoking cheaper tobacco is the most prevalent price-minimizing strategy in three countries (England, Germany and Netherlands), and more prevalent among low-income individuals. Harmonizing prices across products and countries would reduce switching to cheaper tobacco.

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The effect of tobacco tax increase on price‐minimizing tobacco purchasing behaviours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Cho,

Lim,

Sun

et al. 2024

Addiction

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Background and aimsTobacco product excise taxes are a cost‐effective method for reducing tobacco consumption, but industry pricing and marketing strategies encourage consumers to engage in price‐minimizing behaviours (PMBs). We investigated the relationship between tobacco tax increases and PMBs, measuring whether PMBs intensify following tax increases, whether low‐income consumers with higher nicotine dependence are more likely to engage in PMBs and whether PMBs are negatively related to smoking cessation.MethodThis was a systematic review with meta‐analysis of cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies from seven databases up to March 2023, using studies that reported any product‐ and purchasing‐related smoking behaviours post‐tobacco tax increase in a general representative population. Sixty‐eight studies were quality‐assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. All studies were narratively synthesized, with five studies involving 13 068–26 575 participants providing data for pooled analyses on PMBs [purchasing lower‐priced brands, roll‐your‐own (RYO) tobacco and cartons] pre‐ and post‐tax increases using a random effects meta‐analytical model.ResultsFifty‐seven studies reported on legal PMBs, and 17 studies reported illicit cigarette purchasing. Meta‐analysis showed that consecutive tax increases were positively associated with purchasing RYO [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–2.46], especially in higher tobacco taxing environments, with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 96%). Lower income and higher nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing lower‐priced brands and RYO, whereas higher income and nicotine dependence were associated with purchasing cartons, large‐sized packs and cross‐border sales. Less evidence associated illicit tobacco purchases with tax increases or PMBs with smoking cessation.ConclusionsTobacco purchasers’ PMBs vary widely by state, country and time‐period within countries. Both legal and illegal PMBs, potentially influenced by industry pricing tactics, may exacerbate health inequalities and dilute the public health benefits of tobacco tax increases.

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Decrease in cross-border tobacco purchases despite intensification of antitobacco policies in France

Cited by 3 publications

References 21 publications

Measuring anomalies in cigarette sales using official data from Spanish provinces: Are the anomalies detected by the Empty Pack Surveys (EPSs) used by Transnational Tobacco Companies (TTCs) the only anomalies?

Measuring anomalies in cigarette sales using official data from Spanish provinces: Are the anomalies detected by the Empty Pack Surveys (EPSs) used by Transnational Tobacco Companies (TTCs) the only anomalies?

Price minimizing behaviours by smokers in Europe (2006–20): evidence from the International Tobacco Control Project

The effect of tobacco tax increase on price‐minimizing tobacco purchasing behaviours: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

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