JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Zimbabwe's Pacific Cigarette Company has voiced strong support for British American Tobacco South Africa's (BATSA) calls for comprehensive market cleanup and enhanced anti-smuggling measures across the Southern African region. The company's stance underscores the industry-wide concern about the growing threat of illicit tobacco trade.
Speaking at the Southern African Tobacco Industry Conference in Johannesburg, PCC's Regional Director for Southern Africa, David Mutasa, emphasized the need for coordinated action against tobacco smuggling, which has become what industry experts describe as "a multi-billion-rand free-for-all for lawbreakers."
"The illicit tobacco trade undermines legitimate businesses, deprives governments of crucial tax revenue, and poses serious health risks to consumers," said Mutasa. "Pacific Cigarette Company stands firmly with BATSA and other legitimate industry players in calling for decisive action against these criminal networks."
The illicit tobacco trade in Southern Africa is estimated to cost governments over $500 million annually in lost tax revenue, while legitimate manufacturers face unfair competition from untaxed, unregulated products. These illegal cigarettes often contain dangerous substances and lack proper quality controls.
PCC has implemented several measures to combat counterfeiting and smuggling of its products, including advanced security features on packaging, digital tracking systems, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies across its operating markets.
"We have invested significantly in anti-counterfeiting technologies and work closely with customs authorities and police in all our markets," explained Mutasa. "However, this is not a battle that any single company can win alone. It requires coordinated regional action."
The company supports BATSA's call for the establishment of a regional task force comprising government officials, law enforcement agencies, and legitimate industry players to develop and implement comprehensive anti-smuggling strategies.
PCC has also called for harmonized excise tax policies across the region to reduce incentives for cross-border smuggling and for enhanced penalties for those involved in the illicit tobacco trade.
The company's anti-smuggling efforts extend beyond enforcement to include consumer education campaigns that highlight the risks associated with purchasing illegal tobacco products and the importance of supporting legitimate, taxpaying businesses.
About Pacific Cigarette Company
Pacific Cigarette Company is Zimbabwe's leading tobacco manufacturer, established in 2002. The company is committed to quality, innovation, and responsible business practices while contributing to community development and economic growth across Africa.