Core Messages
January 1, 2009
It has been estimated that, if global illicit trade were eliminated, governments would immediately gain at least $31 billion USD in revenue, and beginning in 2030, more than 160,000 lives would be saved per year.
Source: Joossens L, Merriman D, Ross H, Raw M. How eliminating the global illicit cigarette trade would increase tax revenue and save lives. Paris: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease; 2009.