To sell a product that kills up to half of all its users requires extraordinary marketing savvy. Tobacco manufacturers are some of the best marketers in the world – and increasingly aggressive at circumventing prohibitions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship that are designed to curb tobacco use.

- World Health Organization (WHO)

Every year the tobacco industry spends billions of dollars globally on advertising, promotion and sponsorship. Evidence shows that this marketing is increasing tobacco product consumption, particularly among young people. It is also favourably influencing attitudes towards smoking and the tobacco industry, inhibiting tobacco control efforts.

Marketing bans must occur globally for any effect to take place. For example, if certain marketing opportunities are restricted in some countries and not others then the tobacco industry will adjust its global marketing strategies accordingly to each country.

For more information see:

• The Facts
• The FCTC Commitments
• The Work of the Conference of the Parties
• The Treaty Text