If they don't stand up to Big Tobacco, the results will be devastating:
The industry works relentlessly to delay and defeat tobacco control efforts around the world so that it can protect its profits. Though there is some progress, this second annual report finds certain areas of interference remain problems across the globe.
The tobacco industry is working swiftly to exploit the global crisis that governments are facing. Through seemingly charitable activities, the industry uses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to gain access to and influence over governments during the pandemic. In the same breath, it's lobbying governments to stop imposing restrictions on its business and even declare tobacco as an “essential” item, even though these products contribute to the devastation caused by COVID-19.
Increasing taxes reduces tobacco sales and use, hence the tobacco industry relentlessly opposes this measure. The industry sidesteps health ministries, directly lobbying governmental departments such as finance and customs to present its case. For example, the industry uses the flawed argument that tax increases will exacerbate smuggling in order to scare governments and discourage them from raising taxes.
Tobacco giants like PMI are influencing governments to promote HTPs and e-cigarettes. PMI reported selling IQOS, its flagship HTP, in 47 markets and duty-free sales outlets. What was not revealed is the influence exerted and the numerous benefits the company obtained to manufacture and sell IQOS in these markets.
Select an indicator:
When the tobacco industry interferes with government efforts to develop tobacco control policies.
The tobacco industry spends millions of dollars on so-called corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities each year.
The tobacco industry enjoys many types of benefits. Direct benefits include privileges, incentives, tax exemptions or endorsements to encourage their business.
Unnecessary interactions occur when top level government officials attend social functions hosted by tobacco companies or when the government accepts offers of assistance or enters into partnerships with the tobacco industry.
Lack of transparency in government interactions makes many vulnerable to influence from the tobacco industry
Senior government officials working for the industry present a conflict of interest.
Governments can proactively take several preventive measures to protect their officials from being exposed to interference.
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