Tobacco Industry Allies
Together, we expose the interest groups that help tobacco companies undermine public health. Use your cursor to see who they really are.
The tobacco industry is the single greatest barrier to reducing deaths caused by tobacco use. To keep selling its products it needs to make sure tobacco control policies don’t come into effect or are rendered ineffective.
Some tobacco industry allies are easy to spot, such as tobacco trade associations or public relations firms working for tobacco companies. But the industry also disguises its operations using seemingly independent organizations.
Astroturf
Front Group
Third Party
We are shining the light on some of these organizations. Search by name, location or category to uncover how these groups undermine public health. If you see any we’ve missed, or have more evidence, let us know.
For more details about our definitions and methodology, please view our research overview.
* Indicates suspected third parties whose poor financial transparency makes it impossible to prove or disprove tobacco industry funding.
London, United Kingdom
The Academy of Ideas is a think tank that forms part of the pro-corporate libertarian network led by people affiliated with the defunct LM Magazine. It has previously campaigned against plain packaging rules.
Learn MoreBogota, Colombia
Acción Técnica Social (ATS) states that since 2007 it has been “working with governments and local, national and international organizations to design and implement public policies, programs and strategies”[translation]. It runs a project titled ‘Nicotine Risk and Damage Reduction’[translation], and has promoted the use of e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and snus. Philip Morris International has admitted to having a contract with, and receiving advice from, ATS.
Learn MoreLondon, United Kingdom
This well-established, free-market think tank has repeatedly campaigned against tobacco control policies. The Institute also has a history of close collaboration with the tobacco industry, including financial contributions.
Learn MoreJakarta, Indonesia
AMTI was established in 2010 as a “forum for struggle for tobacco farmers, workers, consumers, retailers and cigarette manufacturers”[translation]. It was founded by PT HM Sampoerna Tbk, an Indonesian tobacco company owned by Philip Morris International and other industry linked organizations. AMTI has regularly lobbied against tobacco control measures including a ban on cigarette and tobacco product advertising and increases in tobacco taxes.
Learn MoreSydney, Australia
Set up with the help of a public relations company and funded by tobacco companies. It lobbies the Australian government saying that it is the voice of 3,000 small business retailers. The AAR has consistently echoed industry arguments on issues such as plain packaging and smuggling.
Learn MoreIslamabad, Pakistan
The Alternative Research Initiative (ARI) is an organization based in Pakistan that states that it provides “researched-based solutions in a variety of social fields, including health, education, governance, culture etc.” It has received funding from Foundation for Smoke-Free World since 2018 to conduct studies relating to the use of and understanding of “harm reduction products” in Pakistan.
Learn MoreHong Kong, China
It is one of the largest and most influential American Chambers of Commerce in the ASEAN region. Its members include JTI (since 1970) and PMI. Personnel from PMI have taken roles in several Chamber committees looking at illicit trade over the past ten years.
Learn MoreWashington, DC, United States
The AEI, a U.S. free-market think tank, argues it is a mistake not to take money from tobacco companies when researching the topic – and it has happily done so since at least 2011. The Institute has testified in favor of IQOS before the FDA and argued that tobacco taxes cause crime. One of their most prolific pro-tobacco advocates is visiting scholar Roger Bate.
Learn MoreBrussels, Belgium
The American European Community Association (AECA), based in Brussels, was founded in 1981 by the British politician Roy Jenkins. Corporate members historically included BAT, Imperial Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International and PMI in 2011. As of August 2022, BAT and JTI remain members and former PMI employee Kristof Doms sits on the board of directors.
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There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of other groups working to advance tobacco industry interests. We need you to help us expose such groups and uncover links. Help us shine the light on tobacco industry allies.
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