You are here:

Tobacco advertising

Published on

Updated:

OUR IMPACT: 4.13 billion people in 28 countries through advertising bans*

The tobacco industry markets its products directly through advertising, and indirectly through promotions and sponsorship. Comprehensive tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) bans must cover traditional and emerging platforms for marketing, including: print media; branded packaging; point-of-sale displays; billboards; online and social media; direct mail; sponsorship of events, individuals and organisations; brand-stretching to non-tobacco products; apparent 'corporate social responsibility' campaigns; free give-aways and price promotions.

Key Facts

  • Tobacco advertising increases consumption.
  • Partial advertising bans do not work because tobacco companies use indirect advertising methods to circumvent bans.
  • One third of youth experimentation with tobacco is a result of exposure to tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
  • Article 13 of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control requires parties to implement measures that allow for a comprehensive ban on direct and indirect tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
  • Comprehensive TAPS bans reduce tobacco consumption. 

*Updated April 2019