EU-ABC calls for India-ASEAN coordination to curb illicit trade

The EU-ASEAN Business Council has urged stronger regional action on illicit trade ahead of ASEAN’s 2026 chairship, positioning India as a partner for intelligence sharing, pre-export assurance and supply-chain controls. Philip Morris India cited illicit-tobacco risks and its product-identification efforts.

— Filed Thu, 30 Jul, 2026, 19:31 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine · Updated

EU-ABC urged coordinated ASEAN action against illicit trade, identifying India as a strategic dialogue partner for intelligence sharing, pre-export assurance and supply-chain controls. Philip Morris India highlighted illicit tobacco risks and its market-intelligence and product-identification initiatives.

Why this matters

The call follows Philip Morris India’s recent push for a crackdown on illicit cigarettes, which it said claim 25% of the market, extending its focus from domestic enforcement to regional coordination.

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