Fiji: Government plans to expand tobacco and nicotine control legislation

At the opening of the joint needs assessment mission in Fiji by the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco (FCTC) expert team, Andrew Black, FCTC Secretariat Coordinator, raised the issue of tobacco control laws in the face of the rise of vaping.[1]Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, Permanent Secretary for Health, stressed the importance of identifying gaps in the existing system and strengthening the fight against illicit tobacco trade.[2]Smoking remains a major public health and economic problem in Fiji, causing the deaths of more than 1,200 people each year, 71 of whom are under the age of 70.

Child protection at the heart of anti-vaping policy

Andrew Black warned that e-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine and are often flavored to attract young people, making them highly addictive. He emphasized the need for regulatory action, suggesting that Fiji either ban the sale of e-cigarettes entirely or implement strict regulations like those that apply to traditional tobacco products. In this regard, Fiji is currently considering imposing plain packaging for cigarettes.[3].

" The use of e-cigarettes has exploded worldwide […] We know that e-cigarettes are increasingly popular in this country, and that is a cause for concern. " he said.

Adding that " The government's first and foremost goal is to prevent them from falling into the hands of children. " Mr Black said this issue should be a central focus of discussions between WHO FCTC representatives and local stakeholders when assessing Fiji's tobacco control framework.

Illegal tobacco trade a health and economic problem in Fiji

Beyond the health risks, smoking also represents an economic burden for Fiji: in 2019, tobacco-related economic losses were estimated at $319 million, equivalent to $2.7 billion of GDP, or four times the revenue generated by cigarette taxes. Illicit trade is exacerbating the situation with products offered at low prices. Dr. Tudravu reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening regulations aimed at eliminating the illicit trade in tobacco products.

Illegal tobacco trade practices are evolving, shifting from traditional smuggling to online sales. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the digital transition is making it increasingly difficult to combat this phenomenon.[4].

Patrick Musavuli of the WHO Convention Secretariat highlights the increase in illicit traders using e-commerce, social media, and encrypted channels to sell illegal tobacco products. To combat illicit trade in all its forms, technical tracking and tracing systems, through the use of a unique identification code on each package, are an effective response. This system is recommended in particular in the protocol to combat illicit trade in tobacco products.

Dr. Jemesa Tudravu emphasizes the need for authorities to implement such a system alongside other tobacco control legislation. It allows for rapid identification of whether a pack has left the legal system and at what point in the supply chain.

He added that " The Government of Fiji is firmly committed to eliminating the illicit trade in tobacco products " And " to align the country's policies with international best practices ". Fiji has not yet ratified the Protocol to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade, which specifically sets out the technical and legal provisions for controlling supply to combat parallel markets.

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[1]Wise Jake, Update laws on tobacco — Black, The Fiji Times, published March 19, 2025, accessed March 21, 2025

[2]Wise Jake, Smoke impacts Fiji's health, economy, The Fiji Times, published March 19, 2025, accessed March 21, 2025

[3]Generation against tobacco, Laos adopts plain packaging for cigarettes, published October 9, 2024, accessed March 21, 2025

[4]Shayal Prasad Shania, Illicit tobacco trade shifts to digital platforms, says WHO, FBC News, published March 19, 2025, accessed March 21, 2025

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