Stop tobacco industry interference

Tobacco industry interference weakens policy efforts, and puts commercial interests ahead of people's lives.

Why does it matter?

The tobacco industry interferes with public health policy to protect its profits. This weakens governments and fuels the tobacco epidemic.

Harms public health

Delays and weakens evidence-based policies.

Undermines governance

Erodes trust in public institutions.

Protects industry profits

Puts commercial interests ahead of people’s lives.

Disproportionately harms vulnerable communities

Worsens health inequities.

See how interference happens

CSR & Partnerships

Scenario
A tobacco company funded a youth sports program.
Tobacco industry tactic
CSR / Partnerships.
How the industry benefits
Builds a positive image and access to decision-makers.
Safeguard
Reject industry funding.

Lobbying & Policy

Scenario
Intense lobbying against plain packaging legislation.
Tobacco industry tactic
Third-party lobbying.
How the industry benefits
Delays policy and created political pressure.
Safeguard
Transparency and strong Article 5.3 implementation.

Front Groups

Scenario
A fake ‘independent’ group promoted industry-friendly research.
Tobacco industry tactic
Front groups / Astroturfing.
How the industry benefits
Creates false credibility and confused the public.
Safeguard
Expose and monitor front groups.

Misinformation

Scenario
A social media campaign claimed there was ‘no conclusive evidence’ of harm.
Tobacco industry tactic
Misinformation & PR.
How the industry benefits
Undermines public trust and delays regulation.
Safeguard
Counter with clear, evidence-based communication.

The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index tracks how governments respond to tobacco industry influence and highlights where stronger safeguards are needed.

Compare countriesSee how governments perform across key indicators.

Identify policy gapsUnderstand where Article 5.3 implementation can be strengthened.

Support advocacy and researchUse country findings, trends, and evidence in your work.

Track progress over timeCompare editions to see where safeguards are improving or weakening.

Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2025

Essential evidence. Global insights. Stronger tobacco control.

Explore the Global Tobacco Index Download the 2025 Index (PDF)

Guidelines for the implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC

01
Raise awareness about the harmful nature of tobacco products and the tobacco industry interference with Parties’ tobacco control policies.
02
Establish measures to limit interactions with the tobacco industry and ensure the transparency of these interactions.
03
Reject partnerships and non-binding or non-enforceable agreements with the tobacco industry.
04
Avoid conflicts of interest for government officials and employees.
05
Require that information provided by the tobacco industry be transparent and accurate.
06
Denormalize and, to the extent possible, regulate activities described as “socially responsible” by the tobacco industry, including but not limited to activities described as “corporate social responsibility.”
07
Do not give preferential treatment to the tobacco industry.
08
Treat state-owned tobacco industry in the same way as any other tobacco industry.