Estimating the Size of Illicit Cigarette Trade and Tax Evasion in Zambia: Results from the Empty Pack Survey Method
This study presents the first national survey on illicit tobacco trade in Zambia. Although approximately one in ten cigarettes in Zambia are illicit, this prevalence is lower than in many neighboring countries. Nonetheless, securing the cigarette supply chain remains a critical priority to prevent further tax evasion and illicit trade. These findings highlight the need for Zambia to ratify and implement the World Health Organization Protocol on Illicit Tobacco Trade. The study also underscores the need to implement a track and trace system that would help customs officers detect counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes and intensifying border patrols.
Authors
- Fastone Goma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9159-1621)
- Mbaita Maka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3668-155X)
- Sharon Ogolla (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3956-9446)
- Cosmas Zyambo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1913-3367)
- Noreen Dadirai Mdege (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3189-3473)
- Hana Ross (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5799-1915)
- Masauso Moses Phiri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7653-7988)
- Retselisitsoe Pokothoane (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8055-8394)
- Richard Zulu
- Seember Joy Ali
- Aminata Camara
- Webby Mwamulela
Institutions
- University of Cape Town (ZA)
- University of Zambia (ZM)
- Institut pour la Recherche Appliquée et l'Expérimentation en Génie Civil (FR)
- Primary Health Care (QA)
- Centre for Research and Development (ZW)
- University of York (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Nicotine & Tobacco Research
- Published
- 2025-12-09
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntaf227
- Primary Topic
- Smoking Behavior and Cessation
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00