CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Is the industry helping to combat illegal trade? Poland’s experience in recent years
1
First Doctoral School of the Medical University of Gdañsk, Gdañsk, Poland
2
Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdañsk, Gdañsk, Poland
3
Department of Public Health and Social Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk
Tob. Prev. Cessation 2026;12(Supplement 1):A50
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND-AIM:
The illicit trade in tobacco products represents a persistent challenge to public revenues and health policy in Poland. Over the past decade, tobacco companies have actively positioned themselves as partners of the state in addressing this issue through the sponsorship of research, the provision of training for customs officers and support for public awareness campaigns. Such involvement, however, raises concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, influence on public policy and the credibility of data informing regulatory decisions. This study examines the scope and implications of cooperation between the Polish government and the tobacco industry in combating illicit tobacco trade. It further evaluates whether such partnerships genuinely advance the public interest or predominantly serve industry objectives.
METHODS:
The analysis is based on a review of official government documents, media coverage, industry-sponsored research, and formal agreements between public institutions and tobacco companies covering the period from 2013 to 2025. Particular attention was given to initiatives including industry-funded studies (KPMG, Almares), training programs and structured cooperation with police and customs authorities.
RESULTS:
For many years, government authorities cited industry cooperation as evidence of progress in combating the informal economy. Joint initiatives, including campaigns carried out within the Business Centre Club and specialized training conducted by tobacco company experts, reinforced the role of industry entities as political partners. However, in March 2025, the government established the Inter-Ministerial Team for Combating the Grey Zone, marking a formal step toward greater institutional independence.
CONCLUSIONS:
While industry collaboration has coincided with reported reductions in illicit trade, reliance on industry-provided data and expertise undermines transparency and the autonomy of policymaking. Future strategies should prioritize independent, government-led research and exclude industry involvement in legislative, enforcement, or training activities. The newly established inter-ministerial team may enhance state autonomy; however, its effectiveness remains to be assessed.
The illicit trade in tobacco products represents a persistent challenge to public revenues and health policy in Poland. Over the past decade, tobacco companies have actively positioned themselves as partners of the state in addressing this issue through the sponsorship of research, the provision of training for customs officers and support for public awareness campaigns. Such involvement, however, raises concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, influence on public policy and the credibility of data informing regulatory decisions. This study examines the scope and implications of cooperation between the Polish government and the tobacco industry in combating illicit tobacco trade. It further evaluates whether such partnerships genuinely advance the public interest or predominantly serve industry objectives.
METHODS:
The analysis is based on a review of official government documents, media coverage, industry-sponsored research, and formal agreements between public institutions and tobacco companies covering the period from 2013 to 2025. Particular attention was given to initiatives including industry-funded studies (KPMG, Almares), training programs and structured cooperation with police and customs authorities.
RESULTS:
For many years, government authorities cited industry cooperation as evidence of progress in combating the informal economy. Joint initiatives, including campaigns carried out within the Business Centre Club and specialized training conducted by tobacco company experts, reinforced the role of industry entities as political partners. However, in March 2025, the government established the Inter-Ministerial Team for Combating the Grey Zone, marking a formal step toward greater institutional independence.
CONCLUSIONS:
While industry collaboration has coincided with reported reductions in illicit trade, reliance on industry-provided data and expertise undermines transparency and the autonomy of policymaking. Future strategies should prioritize independent, government-led research and exclude industry involvement in legislative, enforcement, or training activities. The newly established inter-ministerial team may enhance state autonomy; however, its effectiveness remains to be assessed.
| eISSN: | 2459-3087 |
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