Our tobacco principles
We believe in the freedom of adults to choose
As much as we value and believe in freedom of choice for adults, we also recognize the importance of making informed decisions. We know we must play our part in ensuring all consumers of our tobacco and other nicotine-containing products understand the associated risks when making the decision to use them or not.
That's why we're open about our positions on smoking, nicotine product use and health, and why we consistently adhere to our six core principles in all markets where we do business.
Openness about the risks of smoking
Smoking is a cause of serious disease including lung cancer, coronary heart disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. We supports efforts to advise smokers accordingly. Everyone should be appropriately informed about the health risks of smoking.
Reduced-Risk Products
We believe products that do not involve combustion and do not produce tobacco smoke are products with the potential to reduce the risks associated with smoking. At the same time, we acknowledges that these products are not risk-free and that more research is needed to understand their long-term health effects.
We are committed to developing and bringing to market Reduced-Risk Products* that meet consumer expectations. We will help adult consumers to make informed choices by providing factual information acquired through scientific assessment about the products they may wish to use.
Transparency about our products
Our adult consumers want to know what ingredients are inside their products. We provides information on a voluntary basis on its websites. We also provides product information to governments, as required by law, but asks that its trade secrets are respected and protected.
Youth access prevention
Minors should not use or have access to tobacco or other nicotine-containing products. This belief is central to our Code of Conduct, and marketing practices, operational policies and the way we do business. We are committed to playing its full part in youth access prevention, but ultimately success depends on all elements of society working together.
Accommodating smokers and non-smokers
Many people have concerns about exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. All smokers should show consideration for those around them and should not smoke when children are present. We advocates tailored, practical and effective solutions that separate smokers and non-smokers while accommodating the legitimate interests of both. Further to this, we are committed to developing and bringing to market Reduced-Risk Products* that also have the potential to reduce the impact of smoking to others.
Respects for local norms and cultures
We are respectful of each country's culture, norms, legislation and decision-making process. However, we have a right - and an obligation - to express its point of view regarding regulation that affects its products and the tobacco industry. We actively seeks open and transparent dialogue with governmental authorities around the world, and where possible, offers alternative solutions if issue is taken with a government's proposed course of action.
* Reduced-Risk Products (RRP) are products with the potential to reduce the risks associated with smoking.
With sales in more than 130 countries, our international tobacco business has an additional principle: to ensure we are respectful of each country's culture, norms, legislation, and decision-making process.
For more detail on our tobacco principles, please refer to the link below.