This report provided findings from the tobacco industry interference in tobacco tax policies survey in seven countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam) in 2020 and 2022. The survey highlighted that in 2022 the industry used the COVID-19 pandemic to interfere and delay tobacco tax increases in several countries. They argued the pandemic adversely impact their business. Nonetheless, they used this opportunity to expand the novel tobacco products market. The report confirmed that the industry posted high threat to the development and implementation of effective tobacco tax policies across the region.
Success and challenge of banning new tobacco products – HK’s experience (PDF 2.4mb)
In 2021, Hong Kong successfully reduced its smoking prevalence to 9.5% from 23.3% in 1982. The Government has committed to the target of reducing smoking prevalence further to 7.8% by 2025 as part of a strategic action plan to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases in Hong Kong. The target will require ambitious measures to reduce cigarette use, but also to prevent any new tobacco products from entering the local market. Banning new tobacco products is an essential step in Hong Kong’s tobacco control efforts.
Tobacco Charity Exposed: Review of the Tobacco Industry’s CSR Activities in the ASEAN Region (PDF 1 MB)
As tobacco advertisements, promotions, and sponsorships are being restricted or prohibited by governments in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the tobacco industry increasingly resorts to more insidious strategies to promote its products to consumers.
Tobacco industry duplicity: Recycling an old marketing code (PDF 3.2mb)
This report aims to expose the deceptive practice of the tobacco industry to push for voluntary codes in order to mislead, gain public and government acceptance, and avoid strict regulations.
