2FIRSTS | PMI Faces Setback in India: Global Regulatory Fragmentation Complicates Its Smoke-Free Transition
PMI's efforts to introduce its smoke-free products in India are hampered by a continued ban on e-cigarettes, highlighting global regulatory challenges.Summary
Philip Morris International (PMI) has encountered a setback in India as the government maintains its 2019 ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, despite the company's multi-year lobbying efforts. Reuters reported that India's health ministry has no plans to revoke or amend the ban, prioritizing evidence-based tobacco control measures. PMI’s market share in India has grown to 7.6% in 2024, up from 1.75% in 2019, but this progress is threatened by the regulatory environment. In contrast, Taiwan has conditionally opened its market to heated tobacco products under strict regulations, while Japan faces excise tax increases that may impact growth. This divergence in global regulations presents a significant challenge to PMI’s smoke-free transition strategy, potentially limiting its future growth trajectory and emphasizing the importance of navigating diverse regulatory frameworks.
(Source：2Firsts)
