Rothmans, Benson & Hedges (RBH) has renewed its call for federal leadership to safeguard Canadians from illegal and non-compliant nicotine products, following data released by the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU). The company emphasizes the growing threat of counterfeit nicotine products entering the Canadian market through unauthorized channels.
Rise of Counterfeit Products
Danny Fournier, Head of Illicit Trade Prevention at RBH, highlighted the increasing prevalence of counterfeit nicotine products originating from countries such as China. These products, which come in flavors and nicotine levels not manufactured or sold by compliant companies, are sold by unauthorized parties with no controls on quality, ingredients, packaging, or youth access.
Monitoring Program Success
Fournier noted positive enforcement results from RBH's monitoring program, the only one of its kind in Canada. Since 2019, the program has tracked online sales platforms, social media, and websites for illicit products, leading to the removal of over 72,000 unauthorized ads, including 30,000 for nicotine pouches.
RBH continues to collaborate with federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement agencies to mitigate the importation and distribution of illicit and counterfeit nicotine products. The company has consistently called for increased federal leadership to address this growing problem.
Legislative Review
Health Canada recently completed the third legislative review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (2018), which exposed weaknesses and acknowledged the need for more robust compliance strategies to address online sales. RBH has urged Health Canada to recognize the growth of online contraband tobacco sales by organized criminal groups, as well as illicit nicotine sales.
Youth Protection
Milena Trentadue, Managing Director of RBH, emphasized that tackling illicit trade is essential to protecting youth from accessing nicotine products. She expressed pride in the company's illicit trade prevention team and encouraged policymakers to update current laws with evidence-based approaches that prioritize enforcement and youth protection, while ensuring adult smokers have access to regulated, science-based alternatives.
About Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc.
Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc., an affiliate of Philip Morris International Inc., is one of Canada's leading tobacco and nicotine companies, working toward a smoke-free future. The company employs nearly 800 people across Canada, with headquarters in Toronto and a factory in Québec City. RBH is committed to sustainability and creating a positive impact on communities, the economy, and the environment.
