UK: CICRA Launches Study into Tobacco Products in Jersey

Source from:  ISLE News  03/18/2013

CICRA (the Channel Islands Competition and Regulatory Authorities) has been requested by the Economic Development Department to conduct a review of the level of pricing, costs and profit of tobacco products in Jersey.　

The reference from the Minister for Economic Development, Senator Alan Maclean, seeks a market study into the tobacco industry in the island, with specific reference to exclusive agreements for tobacco imports.
 
CICRA chief executive, Andrew Riseley, said there had been public concern regarding arrangements at various levels of the supply chain for tobacco products in the island and the apparent differences between the pre-tax price of cigarettes in Jersey and those charged in markets such as the UK. The review will consider those arrangements, as well as the pricing conduct of importers, distributors and retailers on occasions when duties on tobacco have been increased.
 
"In light of the public interest, and the States request, CICRA will undertake the study into the supply of cigarettes and hand-rolling tobacco and will make recommendations as to how the operation of the market could be improved," Mr Riseley said.
 
The analysis will include prices, costs and profits at the importation, wholesale and retail levels of the supply of tobacco and whether certain features of the market impact on competition. The study will also take into consideration the States of Jersey Tobacco Strategy.
 
Mr Riseley said CICRA aims to complete the study by May this year. Enditem