BACKGROUND AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES: In recent years, several Latin American countries have introduced strong regulations on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. However, these efforts continue to face persistent challenges from the tobacco industry. In countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico, companies have used a mix of legal, political, and media strategies to undermine or delay policy implementation. This ongoing interference puts public health measures at risk and complicates efforts to enforce key provisions of the WHO FCTC, especially Article 5.3.
INTERVENTION OR RESPONSE: Civil society groups have played an essential role in pushing back. In Argentina, advocacy efforts have focused on sustaining national bans despite industry pressure. In Mexico, public health actors have supported recent regulatory reforms, including a constitutional ban, even as legal obstacles persist. Brazilian organizations have continued to monitor and defend ANVISA’s longstanding restrictions. In Colombia, a broad coalition of actors helped pass Law 2354/2024, while in Guatemala, civil society has raised the alarm over industry influence in regional negotiations and called attention to aggressive marketing targeting young people.
RESULTS AND IMPACT: While outcomes vary by country, these efforts have generally helped strengthen tobacco control frameworks and raise awareness of industry tactics. In many cases, civil society’s engagement has slowed or prevented regulatory rollbacks. Even so, the situation remains dynamic, and industry lobbying continues to pose a threat.
CONCLUSIONS: These five case studies show how civil society can effectively counter industry interference, even in complex or hostile environments. Continued collaboration, both within countries and across borders, is vital to protect gains and share strategies for addressing emerging nicotine and tobacco products.