IILA warns against Tobacco industry interference in Trade

The International Institute for Legislative Affairs (IILA) has issued a warning about potential interference from the tobacco industry in regional trade negotiations, which could undermine public health protections. In a recent fact sheet titled 'Unmasking Tobacco Industry Interference in Regional Trade,' IILA examines how tobacco companies may exploit regional and continental trade frameworks, such as the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to challenge or circumvent national tobacco-control laws.

The report identifies four key areas of concern, including the movement of tobacco products across borders through regional trade arrangements, industry influence in legislative discussions, legal challenges to tobacco-control measures, and investment protection provisions in trade agreements. IILA's CEO, Celine Awour, emphasizes the need to strengthen Article 5.3 implementation and enforcement of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, as well as the establishment of safeguards against conflicts of interest within ministries and departments involved in tobacco control.

The fact sheet also highlights the potential for tobacco manufacturers to centralize production in one country and use regional trade arrangements to move products across borders, potentially undermining public health measures in neighboring countries.

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