India has firmly upheld its ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, rejecting extensive lobbying efforts by Philip Morris International (PMI) to introduce its IQOS device. The government cited a commitment to evidence-based tobacco control, maintaining that heat-not-burn devices remain explicitly prohibited under current law despite PMI's arguments for harm reduction.
Key Takeaways:
- Ban Reaffirmed: India rejects PMI's push to legalize IQOS.
- Lobbying Failed: Years of outreach to officials and panels yielded no policy change.
- Health Stance: Authorities prioritize existing tobacco control over new nicotine products.
- Market Reality: Traditional cigarettes remain legal while alternatives are blocked.
The Indian government has confirmed it will maintain its prohibition on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, dealing a blow to Philip Morris International's expansion plans. This development occurs amidst intense lobbying by the tobacco giant, directly resulting in the continued exclusion of the IQOS device from the world's second-largest consumer market.
Government Stands Firm Against Industry Pressure
Despite being the seventh-largest cigarette market globally, India faces a severe public health crisis with over a million tobacco-related deaths annually. Authorities have reiterated that heat-not-burn devices are explicitly banned, rejecting PMI's argument that these products offer a less harmful alternative to traditional smoking.
Confidential documents reveal that between 2021 and 2025, PMI actively lobbied Indian officials and parliamentary panels. The company proposed scientific reviews and expert presentations to sway policy, positioning India as a critical growth market for its flagship IQOS device.
PMI's "Illogical" Market Dilemma
Philip Morris CEO Jacek Olczak has criticized India's regulatory stance as "illogical," pointing out the paradox of allowing combustible cigarettes while banning smoke-free alternatives. However, the Indian Council of Medical Research has stated it has no plans to even study heated tobacco products, signaling a closed door for the foreseeable future.
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