imperial tobacco canada - Why is it illegal?

Illegal tobacco products violate and/or undermine 200 federal and provincial laws and regulations.

Illegal tobacco products violate and/or undermine a wide range of federal and provincial laws and regulations. Illegal cigarette traders are not only breaking the law by circumventing the strict regulations imposed by governments, but also reducing the benefits of those regulations for the general population.

Here are a few examples of how the illicit trade in tobacco circumvents today’s laws:

Tobacco control measures

• There is no reporting to Health Canada on the ingredients being used
• There is no control over the promotion and advertising of these tobacco products

Taxes and levies

• Federal excise tax is not paid
• Provincial tobacco tax is not paid
• GST is not paid
• PST is not paid

Product testing and labelling

• Toxic emissions and constituents are not listed on packaging
• The manufacturer’s name is not indicated on the package
• There are no health warnings on the packaging

Manufacturing

• Low ignition propensity cigarette paper is not used
• The products are manufactured at unlicensed facilities

Import control

• The product is smuggled across the border into Canada

Social

• The purchase of such products by consumers is illegal and finances criminal organizations
• Consumers are not asked for proof of age, making it easier for under-aged smokers to obtain tobacco products