Enforcement of Policies Against Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products in the Netherlands

Abstract

This Chapter describes and analyses the theory and practice of the enforcement of policies against illicit trade in tobacco products in the Netherlands. It provides an overview of the applicable Dutch legal framework and the implementation of the WHO Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, the relevant authorities with their respective administrative and criminal investigative and sanctioning powers, and national and international cooperation. The main findings of this Chapter are that the Dutch authorities have increased their enforcement efforts concerning the phenomenon of illicit tobacco products, for example via the establishment of a specialised unit which focuses on illegal tobacco, different investigative priorities and enhanced forms of international cooperation with counterparts in other EU Member States. Moreover, the implementation of the WHO Protocol and EU legislation has addressed some of the ‘blind spots’ which complicated the enforcement efforts in previous years. Despite these positive developments, the illicit production and trade in illegal tobacco products remains difficult to combat effectively due to its complex and cross-border character