Tobacco smuggling at international borders: public health and governance challenges in a brazil–paraguay territory
1
Fiocruz Amazônia: Instituto Leônidas & Maria Deane, Manaus, Brazil
2
Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Illicit trade in tobacco products represents a major challenge for public health, particularly in international border territories marked by regulatory asymmetries, social vulnerability and weak institutional governance. Evidence indicates that tobacco smuggling undermines tobacco control policies, facilitates access to low-cost products and weakens health protection measures.¹² In the Brazil–Paraguay border, these dynamics are especially visible in the twin cities of Ponta Porã and Pedro Juan Caballero. This study analyzes the structural factors sustaining tobacco smuggling in this border territory and its implications for public health and governance. A qualitative single-case study was conducted based on fieldwork carried out in 2024 in the Brazil–Paraguay border region. Data collection included direct observation of border dynamics, analysis of the circulation and commercialization of illicit tobacco products, and informal conversations with local actors. The empirical material was analyzed thematically, drawing on analytical frameworks used in studies on illicit tobacco trade, governance and border economies.¹³ The findings indicate that tobacco smuggling in the border territory is a structural and normalized activity, sustained by tax differentials between countries, weak enforcement, institutional fragilities and limited economic alternatives. Similar to patterns described in the literature, illicit trade networks are intertwined with corruption and governance gaps, reducing the effectiveness of public policies.¹ The widespread availability of illicit tobacco products undermines tobacco control measures, facilitates early initiation of consumption and increases the burden on health systems.² Addressing tobacco smuggling in border regions requires moving beyond strategies centered solely on repression or fiscal adjustments. Effective responses demand intersectoral and multilevel policies, strengthened institutional governance and international cooperation, in line with the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.¹⁴ A territory-sensitive approach that integrates public health, development and social inclusion is essential to ensure sustainable and equitable health protection in border contexts.
Illicit trade in tobacco products represents a major challenge for public health, particularly in international border territories marked by regulatory asymmetries, social vulnerability and weak institutional governance. Evidence indicates that tobacco smuggling undermines tobacco control policies, facilitates access to low-cost products and weakens health protection measures.¹² In the Brazil–Paraguay border, these dynamics are especially visible in the twin cities of Ponta Porã and Pedro Juan Caballero. This study analyzes the structural factors sustaining tobacco smuggling in this border territory and its implications for public health and governance. A qualitative single-case study was conducted based on fieldwork carried out in 2024 in the Brazil–Paraguay border region. Data collection included direct observation of border dynamics, analysis of the circulation and commercialization of illicit tobacco products, and informal conversations with local actors. The empirical material was analyzed thematically, drawing on analytical frameworks used in studies on illicit tobacco trade, governance and border economies.¹³ The findings indicate that tobacco smuggling in the border territory is a structural and normalized activity, sustained by tax differentials between countries, weak enforcement, institutional fragilities and limited economic alternatives. Similar to patterns described in the literature, illicit trade networks are intertwined with corruption and governance gaps, reducing the effectiveness of public policies.¹ The widespread availability of illicit tobacco products undermines tobacco control measures, facilitates early initiation of consumption and increases the burden on health systems.² Addressing tobacco smuggling in border regions requires moving beyond strategies centered solely on repression or fiscal adjustments. Effective responses demand intersectoral and multilevel policies, strengthened institutional governance and international cooperation, in line with the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.¹⁴ A territory-sensitive approach that integrates public health, development and social inclusion is essential to ensure sustainable and equitable health protection in border contexts.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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