Tobacco Industry Observatory in the Face of the COVID19 Pandemic

STOP is an international monitoring organization that tracks the tobacco industry's interference in public policy. Since the start of the pandemic, the organization has noted a resurgence of activity by the industry in many countries around the world, which it compiles through monthly observatoriesThis resurgence in the presence of the tobacco industry is very closely linked to the Covid19 pandemic which allows it to whitewash its image.

Evolution of the October/November 2020 monitoring period

Illicit trade

• In Malaysia, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) said tax increases on tobacco products should not happen for at least two years, arguing that a higher tax would increase the illicit cigarette trade.[1]. JTI used a similar argument in the Philippines, claiming that smuggling had increased during the COVID-19 period. The tobacco industry has repeatedly used the argument of increased smuggling to oppose tax policies aimed at reducing consumption. In the past, JTI has been accused of complicity in the organization of the illicit trade in tobacco products.

• The tobacco manufacturer British American Tobacco (BAT) has attributed the decline in its profits in Malaysia to illicit trade. BAT had already communicated massively in October on the theme of illicit trade through a bus that crisscrossed the capital. The stated objective of the campaign was to raise awareness about black markets, but this communication operation was more likened to indirect advertising for tobacco. It is contrary to the commitments of Malaysia, a party to the Framework Convention[2].

COVID19, corporate social responsibility and “science”

• Shehzad Munim[3], Managing Director of BAT Bangladesh, promoted the company in a local media outlet, saying the company was protecting jobs. He also communicated about maintaining the supply of cigarettes to smokers. BAT Bangladesh has also lobbied the Secretary of the Ministry of Industries for support and assistance to continue production during the lockdown.[4]
• The Canadian government has announced an investment of 130 million Canadian dollars (84 million euros) to secure 76 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the Medicago laboratory. Philip Morris International, which owns a third of Medicago, used the announcement for promotional purposes via its website, where CEO André Calantzopoulos said: “We welcome the announced collaboration between two Canadian government departments and Medicago to accelerate its efforts against COVID19. However, this agreement runs counter to Canada’s obligations under the Framework Convention, which prohibits governments from partnering with the tobacco industry’s CSR activities.[5].

Keywords: Interference, Tobacco Industry, Covid19, STOP To view the full STOP observatory (English) ©Tobacco Free Generation

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[1] Nur Hanani Azman, JTI Malaysia calls for concrete action against illicit cigarettes, The Malaysian Reserve, November 2, 2020, accessed November 27, 2020 [2] Generation Without Tobacco, Malaysia, industry communicates on illicit trade, October 12, 2020, accessed November 27, 2020 [3] Marjiya Baktyer Ahmed, SHEHZAD MUNIM, Managing Director, British American Tobacco (BAT), Ice Business Time, September 8, 2020, accessed November 27, 2020 [4] Tobacco industry lobbies Bangladesh Government Agency to champion its business during COVID-19 pandemic, BMJ Tobacco Control Blog, July 3, 2020, accessed November 27, 2020 [5] Generation Without Tobacco, Canada, vaccine and Covid. Philip Morris' €84 million public relations operation, November 23, 2020, accessed November 27, 2020 National Committee Against Smoking |