Indicators of Influence
These seven key indicators highlight interference from the tobacco industry in Mexico.
Industry participation in policy development:
Indicator Score:
12 / 20
Two initiatives to reform the General Law on Tobacco Control to regulate ENDS were presented in the Senate. During the development of legislation on ENDS, Philip Morris Mexico was invited by a congressman in the Lower Chamber to present its views. There was no open and public discussion, and within a short period the Health Committee had a resolution. The document content was supportive of industry arguments and detracted from the original content of the initiatives.
Tobacco industry-related CSR activities:
Indicator Score:
2 / 20
Senators and the local government of the State of Nayarit participate in Philip Morris Mexico’s CSR activities, such as building of community centers, delivering computers to children in rural schools and providing support for tobacco farmers.
Benefits given to the tobacco industry:
Indicator Score:
1 / 20
Tobacco leaf from the US is imported duty-free into Mexico.
The government has not granted any requests from the tobacco industry for a longer timeframe for implementation or postponement of tobacco control law enforcement.
International travelers are allowed to bring two cartons of cigarettes, 50 cigars or a kilo of tobacco into Mexico.
Unnecessary interaction with the tobacco industry:
Indicator Score:
5 / 20
The government does not accept, support, endorse or enter into partnerships or agreements with the tobacco industry. However, CANACINTRA, the transformation industry chamber (BAT and PM Mexico both are members) awarded BAT-sponsored awards to both presidents of the Health Committees in the Congress.
Procedure for transparency measures:
Indicator Score:
8 / 20
There is no specific requirement for the tobacco industry to disclose its entities, affiliated organizations or individuals acting on its behalf—including lobbyists. The Federal Commission on Sanitary Protection (COFEPRIS) held meetings with Philip Morris Mexico to look into the process of allowing the sale of IQOS.
Avoiding conflicts of interest:
Indicator Score:
10 / 20
The government does not prohibit contributions from the tobacco industry.
The former Commissioner of Telecommunications is now the main lobbyist for Philip Morris Mexico.
Preventive measures:
Indicator Score:
21 / 30
The government does not have a program to consistently raise awareness within its departments on policies relating to FCTC Article 5.3 guidelines.
The government has not formulated or implemented a code of conduct for public officials, nor has it prescribed standards to guide dealings with the tobacco industry.
The government has not put in place a policy to disallow the acceptance of contributions or gifts from the tobacco industry including offers of assistance, policy drafts or study visit invitations.
Recommendations
These are ways Mexico can deter interference from the tobacco industry:
- Tobacco-related CSR activities must be banned.
- There must be a procedure in place to disclose the records of government interaction with the tobacco industry. A code of conduct should be adopted by the government to guide officials when dealing with the tobacco industry.
- The tobacco industry should be required to submit information on tobacco business such as market share, marketing expenditures and philanthropy.
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