Oct 08 - Gibraltar Government Signs MOU With Leading Tobacco Company

Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar is pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between HM Customs Gibraltar (HMC) and Philip Morris International (PMI), the world’s leading international tobacco company.

The MOU was signed today at the Wessex Lounge, Gibraltar International Airport by the Collector of Customs, John S Rodriguez and representatives of Philip Morris International. Dr John Cortes, Acting Chief Minister, was also present. 

The MOU establishes a framework of cooperation to combat illicit trade in tobacco whilst minimising obstacles to legitimate trade. Its provisions include the sharing of best practices, further training of customs officers on counterfeit cigarette recognition, and the exchange of information gatheredthroughmarketmonitoring.

HM Collector of Customs, Gibraltar, John Rodriguez said: “Gibraltar is committed to the highest standards in the regulation of the tobacco industry and the control of tobacco sales to guarantee legitimate sales. The Government of Gibraltar has created the most stringent regulations for the transportation, sale and purchase of tobacco products at both a wholesale and retail level. This agreement with PMI is further evidence of that commitment to proper regulation and the high regard in which HM Customs Gibraltar is held by commercial and law enforcement colleagues around Europe and the world. Our highly trained new officers will now also have additional training opportunities given the more extensive training made available by PMI.”

Can Pekcan, General Manager, Duty Free Europe of PMI, said: “Illicit trade in tobacco products damages state budgets harms legitimate businesses and impacts society as a whole. With this MoU, we recognize the commitment of HM Customs Gibraltar and its Government to eliminate the illicit trade in tobacco products from Gibraltar and we look forward to working with them even more closely in the future. At PMI, we take the issue of illicit trade seriously and work closely with governments, the retail sector, consumers and other stakeholders around the world to address the issue and its consequences.”

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