Philip Morris International's Controversial Advertising Violating Tobacco Control Convention

Dec.26.2024
Philip Morris International's Controversial Advertising Violating Tobacco Control Convention
Philip Morris International's advertisement in an Italian newspaper promising a "smoke-free future" may violate the International Tobacco Control Convention.

According to a report by Altreconomia on December 24th, Philip Morris International (PMI) purchased ad space in Italian newspapers, promising a "smoke-free future." However, their advertising message is said to potentially violate the guidelines of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Philip Morris International's Controversial Advertising Violating Tobacco Control Convention
On December 17th, Philip Morris International (PMI) Italy company released an advertising page in the evening newspaper Corriere della Sera. | Image source: Altreconomia.


According to reports, the financial statements of Philip Morris International's (PMI) Italian branch show that despite the increasing value of non-combustible tobacco products surpassing traditional cigarettes, traditional cigarettes still account for one third of total revenue, approximately 9 billion euros.


The Global Development Director of the Social Health Global Project and Health Rights Expert, Nicoletta Dentico, pointed out that Philip Morris International (PMI)'s advertisements violate the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). The convention was established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2005 with the goal of addressing the global tobacco crisis by reducing demand and supply, and has been ratified by over 180 countries, including Italy.


According to Article 1 of the convention, tobacco advertising and promotion are defined as any form of commercial communication or action, directly or indirectly promoting tobacco products or use. The convention requires member states to fully ban all tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.


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