About

Our mission

Illicit trade has grown well beyond the capabilities of individual governments and individual companies, and now demands a sustained, coordinated response. The Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (TRACIT) is a private sector initiative to mitigate the economic and social damages of illicit trade by strengthening government enforcement mechanisms and integrating supply chain controls across industry sectors most impacted by illicit trade.

TRACIT draws from industry strengths and market experience to build habits of cooperation between business, government and the diverse group of countries that have limited capacities for regulatory enforcement. Connecting and mobilizing businesses across industries, sectors and national borders makes it possible to achieve results more effectively than any single actor can accomplish alone.

To learn more about TRACIT and our mission, read our FAQs.

Business has an important role to help shape the regulatory response to illicit trade, and to help itself across sectors by sharing intelligence, data, resources and measures that have been demonstrated to effectively control illicit trade and associated supply chain abuses.

Our structure

TRACIT is organized as an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization under US tax code 501(c)(6). Membership is open to corporations and select trade associations committed to mitigating the economic and social impacts of illicit trade. TRACIT member companies encompass 1,500 globally recognized brands and subsidiaries, operate in 190 countries and employ 800,000 people.TRACIT is also supported by a global network of Alliance Partners that represent over 800 companies. Collectively, they constitute a transnational business voice that stands with TRACIT against illicit trade and its negative impacts on society.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee composed of member company executives who share the vision for eradicating illicit trade and are committed to the TRACIT work program. The Secretariat is composed of a Director-General, Deputy Director-General and expert staff.

Our areas of activity

TRACIT draws from industry strengths and market experience to build habits of cooperation between business, government, intergovernmental organizations and the diverse group of countries that have limited capacities for regulatory enforcement. More...

Illicit trade sectors we work in

Cross-cutting workstreams

What guides us

The illegal activity of illicit trade has grown well beyond the capabilities of individual governments and individual companies. What is needed is a joined-up approach that leverages enforcement and governance measures and multiplies the effectiveness of available resources.

SECURITY

Illicit trade thrives on exploitation of our global supply chain. It is essential to secure weak links, thereby reducing supply chain monitoring, compliance, security and insurance costs.

RESPONSIBILITY

Illicit trade - and lawlessness of any kind - is not acceptable. Responsible businesses can bring about powerful change and we are all responsible for more than the minimum effort; fighting illicit trade is debilitating to all companies that invest in sectors vulnerable to illicit trade.

MARKET INTEGRITY

Unfair competition from unregulated, uninsured and illegal trade in goods erodes market share, drains revenue from legitimate markets and undermines growth.

RULE-OF-LAW

Proliferating illicit trade can undermine the local rule-of-law, give rise to a hostile environment for legitimate business and discourage investment. There may also be threats to the safety and security of personnel and facilities, adding to the increasing costs of doing business.

BRAND PROTECTION

We must protect our brands, reputation and consumer perception, which are all at risk when illegal, fake and sub-standard products reach our customers in legitimate markets.

SUSTAINABILITY

In many sectors, illicit trade undermines achievement of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - such as food security compromised by illegal fishing or exposing consumers to health risks from illicit pharmaceuticals. Business is a critical partner with a role to play.

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