The COMESA Business Council recently released a position paper tackling a hot topic: the role of duty-free in the fight against illicit tobacco trade. Spoiler: the industry isn’t the villain. In fact, the paper makes it clear that duty-free is one of the most tightly regulated retail environments out there, with strict customs checks, secure supply chains, and serious penalties for non-compliance.

Through its Tourism, Travel and Retail Duty-Free Workgroup, CBC is calling for fair, evidence-based research that actually includes insights from duty-free experts. The paper also outlines practical steps for policymakers, enforcement agencies, and the industry itself to work together, protect legitimate trade, and keep borders secure.

Click here to read the full paper: https://comesabusinesscouncil.org/position-papers/