Page 51 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - JULY 2025

Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosts workshop to strengthen
anti-illicit trade efforts and enhance tobacco product regulation in

UAE

Session emphasizes vital role of both individuals and enterprises in
ensuring product integrity within established regulatory frameworks

Abu Dhabi, 15 July 2025 – The Ministry of Economy and Tourism hosted an awareness workshop
titled “Combating Illicit Tobacco Trade”, focusing on the risks of counterfeit and non-compliant
tobacco products and nicotine derivatives. The session brought together federal and local
authorities, along with international industry representatives in the UAE, to discuss challenges in
tackling illicit trade.

This initiative is part of the Ministry’s broader campaign against fraud, counterfeiting, and illicit
trade, aimed at strengthening market oversight and ensuring a fair, secure business environment. It
highlighted the damaging effects of non-compliant practices on the economy, presented global
standards for monitoring and inspection, and emphasized the shared responsibility of businesses
and individuals in supporting regulators to keep the market free of counterfeit and non-compliant
products.

The Ministry of Economy and Tourism is strengthening public-private sector collaboration to
ensure businesses’ compliance with national laws and regulations. Through rigorous monitoring
initiatives, including increased number of inspections across all emirates and enhanced customs
surveillance, the Ministry is curbing the spread of counterfeit, imitation, and non-compliant
products. These measures are significantly improving market efficiency and consumer protection
in the country.

The workshop featured expert-led discussions and specialized presentations examining illicit
trade's impact on tobacco products and derivatives. Participants emphasized the importance of
establishing transparency principles and regulatory compliance to safeguard the commercial sector
from harmful practices, while boosting market competitiveness and stability.

Participants underlined the need to strengthen public awareness and foster self-regulation among
businesses and consumers, while expanding coordinated inspection efforts with federal and local
authorities. These measures aim to curb counterfeit and substandard goods, safeguarding the
integrity of the domestic market.

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