Developments in International Cooperation in Combating the Illicit Trade of Tobacco

On September 27, 2010, the European Commission (EC) and Imperial Tobacco Limited (ITL) signed a multi-year agreement to cooperate in efforts to combat the illegal trade of tobacco products.  The Agreement was initiated by ITL, who committed to paying US $300 million over the next 20 years to the EU and participating Member States.  The contract involves the European Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and law enforcement personnel from Member States.  It was initiated after two years of negotiations between the organizations.