Tobacco Industry: Definitions

These terms are used on Tobacco Tactics. Different terms may be used by other people and organisations working in tobacco control or other areas. We aim to simplify and use non-technical language where possible. We indicate where to find more information on Tobacco Tactics and relevant external resources. The tobacco industry Central to the tobacco industry are companies which…

There is general consensus in the global tobacco control community, and among parties to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), that tobacco industry interference is the greatest barrier to progress in reducing tobacco’s deadly toll.38 Article 5.3 of the FCTC, obliges countries to protect their health policies from the “vested interests of the…

Background In 2009, several retail groups and tobacco companies operating in Hong Kong came together to establish the Tobacco Control Concern Group (TCCG).495051 TCCG has lobbied the government on tobacco control issues, and has echoed well known industry arguments against taxation, including that increased tax fuels illicit tobacco trade.5249 TCCG retail association members include…

Background The Coalition of Hong Kong Newspaper and Magazine Merchants (CHKNMM) is a retail association representing over 35,000 newsstands in Hong Kong.55 It has lobbied against tobacco control policies including tobacco tax increases and graphic health warnings. Relationship with the tobacco industry CHKNMM members are newspaper vendors. Many of which sell tobacco products as part of their business.56…

Lebensmittelverband Deutschland (LMVD), the Food Federation Germany, represents stakeholders working across the food industry in Germany.78 This includes those operating in the agricultural sector, the food and trade industries, the packaging industry, as well as suppliers, including the tobacco industry.7980 Background It was previously known as Bund für Lebensmittelrecht und Lebensmittelkunde (BLL), the German Federation for Food…

Background The Business Association of Georgia (BAG) was established in 2009, with a stated mission of improving the business environment in Georgia by “uniting the members, in close cooperation with the authorities, international and local partners”.104 As of 2022, members of BAG include around 100 holding companies, that represent over 600 businesses of varying sizes.104 Relationship with the…

Background The Influence Foundation was founded in New York in 2017. Its stated aim is “to advocate through journalism for rational and compassionate approaches to drug use, drug policy and human rights”.104 It is part-funded by tobacco companies and related third parties. The Influence Foundation owns and operates Filter magazine, which has published multiple articles criticising tobacco control policies…

Key Points In 2012, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) published guidance for assessing tobacco and nicotine products proposed by manufacturers as less harmful alternatives to conventional cigarettes. Transnational tobacco companies have developed similar multi-stage approaches to scientifically assess these newer products. There is evidence to suggest the industry’s approach does not guarantee good quality research or prevent the industry from…

Reynolds American inc. (RAI) is the parent company of tobacco company R. J. Reynolds. It is owned by British American Tobacco (BAT). Background BAT bought RAI in 2017.195196 BAT owned 42.2% of RAI shares from 2004 to 2017.196 In January 2017, BAT announced that it had agreed to acquire the remaining 57.8% stake.197 This acquisition…

Research shows that diplomats have been lobbying on behalf of tobacco companies for many years, and that this is part of a broader industry strategy to undermine public health and further the commercial objectives of tobacco companies.200201 There have been multiple instances of lobbying by ambassadors and other diplomats from the UK, as well as Japan and…