Industry leaders discuss threat of illicit trade at IAADFS Summit of the Americas, Florida

At a panel event discussing the region's recovery, representatives of the Duty Free: Trusted Transparent Secure campaign said the sector must "amplify our existing credentials as an authentic and trusted industry"

Photo: TRBusiness

At the first conference session on day two of the IAADFS Summit of the Americas, leaders from the duty free and travel retail industry discussed key developments from across the region, and ongoing threats such as illicit trade, counterfeiting and intellectual property theft.

"We need to amplify our existing credentials as an authentic and trusted industry, and demonstrate our commitment to combatting criminality wherever it occurs", speakers said.

They added that "the Americas are an important region", and praised the industry's extensive efforts in ensuring illicit trade does not gain a foothold in the duty free channel: "The ongoing support we receive from the industry in this region is very welcome and we ask for your continued support in the months ahead.”

Speakers highlighted the "unfair and inaccurate” allegations which the industry is defending itself against in regards to illicit trade. W

Photo: DFNI

The workshop-style session was hosted by John Rimmer, Managing Director, Tax Free World Association (TFWA), one of the Duty Free: Trusted, Transparent, Secure campaign's key spokespeople.