SA signs anti-tobacco smuggling treaty
2013-01-11 20:14
Johannesburg - South Africa has signed a new
international treaty that aims to stop the smuggling of tobacco, the National
Council Against Smoking said on Friday.
"The aim of the treaty is to reduce tobacco
smuggling worldwide," the council's head Yussuf Saloojee said in a
statement.
He said the World Health Organisation protocol to
eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products was signed by Health Minister Aaron
Motsoaledi in Geneva on Thursday.
Saloojee said the treaty encouraged countries to
co-operate in identifying smuggling routes and trends, and arrest smugglers.
Eleven other countries also signed, including China,
France, Panama, Turkey and Uruguay.
Saloojee said the treaty recommends that tobacco
manufacturers be licensed, and that they verify who their clients are.
Stronger border controls and heavier penalties for
smuggling are also recommended.
He said reducing illegal tobacco sales would help public
health.
"Smuggling makes cigarettes cheaper and so increases
sales. It encourages adults to keep smoking instead of quitting after tax
increases, and makes tobacco affordable to youth. Higher tobacco sales in turn
mean more sickness and death," Saloojee said.
The health department was not immediately available for
comment.
- SAPA
