RNS Number:5272N
Imperial Tobacco Group PLC
14 July 2003



IMPERIAL TOBACCO AND HM CUSTOMS & EXCISE SIGN JOINT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING


Imperial Tobacco, the leading cigarette manufacturer for the UK market,
announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HM
Customs & Excise, formalising jointly developed protocols to combat the
smuggling and counterfeiting of tobacco products.



Gareth Davis, Chief Executive of Imperial Tobacco Group PLC, said:



"Imperial Tobacco and HM Customs & Excise have now signed an MoU that will serve
to further undermine the operations of the smugglers and counterfeiters of
tobacco products.



This far-reaching MoU will enable Imperial Tobacco and HM Customs & Excise to
further strengthen their relationship. I am delighted that we have been able to
reach this agreement. The MoU draws on existing measures which have already
helped to reduce the smuggling of Imperial Tobacco brands into the UK by more
than 60 per cent, and represents a model of best practice."





Enquiries



Alex Parsons                                          office +44 (0)117 933 7241

Group Media Relations Manager



www.imperial-tobacco.com


Notes to Editors


*        Imperial Tobacco is the world's fourth largest international tobacco 
         company, manufacturing and marketing a range of cigarettes, tobaccos, 
         rolling papers and cigars.


*        The company has 37 manufacturing sites, operates in more than 100 
         markets worldwide, sells over 120 brands and employs around 17,500 
         people.




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