Strengthening Global Ties to Combat Illicit Trade: Insights from PMI's Rodney Van Dooren

Rodney Van Dooren of Philip Morris International emphasized the importance of international collaboration and stringent regulations in combating illicit trade during the Asia Security conference in Delhi. The two-day event saw stakeholders discussing the impact of illicit trade on governments and brands, and PMI's strategy against it.

During the recent Asia Security: Anti-counterfeiting, Trademark, and Brand Protection conference in Delhi, Rodney Van Dooren, Head of Illicit Trade Prevention at Philip Morris International (PMI), underscored the significance of international collaboration and stringent regulation in tackling illicit trade.

Van Dooren highlighted that nearly 12% of global cigarette consumption is illicit, resulting in $40.5 billion in tax losses for governments worldwide. In India, one in four cigarettes is illicit, translating to approximately $2 billion in tax losses. He detailed the intricate global network of illicit trade, emphasizing the necessity of cooperation among source, transit, and destination countries to dismantle this complex web.

PMI's strategy to counter illicit trade focuses on leveraging research and intelligence, securing supply chains, partnering with law enforcement, and raising public awareness. Van Dooren also recommended better utilization of free trade agreements and harmonizing regulations across ASEAN to effectively combat illicit trade. The conference attracted a global audience, discussing the latest trends and solutions in the fight against illicit trade and counterfeiting.