Prevention Protocol: Tobacco Industry Relationship Screening
Prevention through proper screening is more effective than addressing conflicts after they emerge. This screening protocol helps tobacco control organizations identify tobacco industry connections before entering into partnerships or collaborations. Prevention is more effective than remediation.
Use this along with the Tobacco Industry Actors Database developed by the Knowledge Hub (WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3 – Resource Database on Tobacco Industry Interference) and Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC).
Application
New Partnerships
Before forming new partnerships or coalitions with other organizations
Funding Decisions
Prior to accepting funding from any source to ensure independence
Personnel Selection
When considering new board members or key staff positions
Joint Activities
Before participating in multi-stakeholder initiatives or planning joint activities
Screening Process
Basic Information Review
Organization's Website
Review the organization's website, particularly:
- "About Us" section and leadership
- Board of directors list
- Funding sources and annual reports
- Partners and affiliates
Organization's Name
Search for the organization name + "tobacco industry" online
Online Verification
Search the organization’s name along with keywords like "tobacco industry" and check industry front group databases.
Policy Alignment
Analyze the organization's public stance on tobacco control for any signs of alignment with industry narratives.
Direct Connection Assessment
Financial Ties
Check for direct funding from tobacco industries or subsidiaries and engagement in industry CSR initiatives linked to tobacco control.
Personnel Links
Identify board members or leadership with current or past tobacco industry roles or backgrounds.
Collaborative Activities
Look for joint initiatives with tobacco industry entities, participation in panel discussions, or partnerships with known tobacco industry allies.
Public Positioning
Review public statements and social media accounts for support of tobacco industry positions or history of advancing industry-aligned arguments.
Ally Partnerships
Identify collaborations or affiliations with widely recognized allies of the tobacco industry.
Established Links
Check for a history of industry alignment, including evidence of direct or indirect benefit from tobacco actors.
CSR Engagement
Examine participation in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects initiated by the tobacco industry.
Other Associations
Note any other forms of collaboration, affiliation, or benefit derived from tobacco industry relationships.
Indirect Connection Assessment
Secondary Funding
Funding from organizations that receive direct or indirect tobacco industry support.
Non-Tobacco Collaborations
Joint initiatives on non-tobacco issues with tobacco industry entities, including in conferences or panel discussions.
Affiliated Group Memberships
Participation in groups, networks, or coalitions where tobacco industry actors are in leadership or hold significant influence.
Unclear Industry Alignment
History of promoting tobacco industry-aligned positions, even when formal ties or funding are not evident.
CSR Engagement (Non-Tobacco)
Involvement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts initiated by tobacco companies that are not directly related to tobacco control.
Other Related Activities
Any other indirect form of association, benefit, or collaboration that could imply alignment with the tobacco industry.
Transparency Verification & Decision Standard
Request in Writing
- Disclosure of all funding sources and partnerships
- Board member affiliations
- Conflict of interest policies, particularly, written position or policy on tobacco industry engagement
Decision Standard
There is only one acceptable standard: no tobacco industry connections of any kind. The organization must:
Have no direct or indirect tobacco industry connections
Maintain strong conflict of interest policies
Demonstrate clear commitment to tobacco control objectives, particularly, denounce all types of tobacco industry engagements
When in Doubt & Documentation
Document Uncertainties
Record specific areas where screening results are unclear
Apply Precaution
Prioritize public health using the precautionary principle
Independent Assessment
Request review from third parties recognized for upholding WHO FCTC Article 5.3
Complete Documentation
Record organization details, sources consulted, findings, and follow-up actions
Real-World Example & Resources
Prevention Success Story
By identifying these connections before engagement, the coalition avoided potential division and reputational damage. Governments were prevented from engaging with the organization as it continued to promote tobacco industry arguments.
ANNEX: Definition of the Tobacco Industry
Tobacco manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, and exporters
Companies directly involved in the production and distribution of tobacco products
Parent, subsidiary, and affiliate companies of tobacco manufacturers
All related corporate entities connected to tobacco manufacturing companies
Organizations or individuals representing tobacco industry interests
- Law firms representing tobacco companies
- Public relations companies working for the tobacco industry
- Consultants and lobbyists advancing industry positions
Organizations receiving funding from the tobacco industry
- Front groups and third-party allies
- Research institutions accepting tobacco funding
- Foundations established by tobacco companies
Entities that work to further tobacco industry interests
- Industry-established "corporate social responsibility" initiatives
- Organizations promoting "reduced-harm" products while opposing evidence-based measures aligned with the WHO FCTC
- Entities that consistently advance tobacco industry policy positions
In accordance with WHO FCTC Article 5.3 Guidelines, tobacco industry entities include, but are not limited to the categories listed above. [i]
[i] Preventing Tobacco Industry Interference. A Toolkit for Advocates and Policymakers. GGTC. 2023. Available at:
https://files.ggtc.world/uploads/2024-02-01/03-07-53-470050/GGTC%20Toolkit%20(Redesign)%20171123.pdf
NOTE: This represents minimum standards only. Organizations should adapt and strengthen these materials to address their specific context and evolving industry tactics, provided all modifications enhance protection against tobacco industry interference.
CourageAgainstTobacco.org Resources
This forms part of a suite of tools designed to support advocates in holding tobacco companies and their front groups accountable: