Hana Ross

Oct 31, 2024 | tobaccocontrol.bmj.com | Estelle Dauchy |Amina Khan |Saeed Ansaari |Hana Ross

AbstractBackground To control the illicit cigarette market, the government of Pakistan adopted a Tracking and Tracing System (TTS) that was fully operational by July 2022, despite many roadblocks. By this date, major tobacco companies had either registered their brands with the tax authority and/or installed TTS. Methods This paper is the first to evaluate the degree of compliance with the TTS by evaluating the extent and nature of illicit trade in tobacco products.

Mar 1, 2024 | tobaccocontrol.bmj.com | Corné van Walbeek |Hana Ross

DiscussionImplementing an effective T&T policy represents a public health win, since T&T is expected to reduce illicit and total consumption, at no additional net cost to government. If the government can secure a T&T system for less than the estimated R2.68–R5.24 per pack (and achieve at least a 40% T&T effectiveness), it will generate additional revenue. The estimated minimum break-even marker cost of R2.68 per pack (US$0.17) is many times higher than the actual cost of existing T&T systems.

May 23, 2023 | tobaccocontrol.bmj.com | Max Gallien |Giovanni Occhiali |Hana Ross

DiscussionThe argument for tobacco taxation relies on the idea that increasing taxes lead to higher prices, which in turn decrease the overall smoking prevalence by leading to cessation, lowering smoking uptake and smoking intensities.20 21 There is substantial evidence for these relationships, and it is unlikely that our considerations around the market for loose cigarettes will negate them.