Is the tobacco industrys interference in Brazils additives ban coming to an end?

Introduction

The latest Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index shows that Brazil continues to fail to protect its tobacco control policies from industry interference.1 Not surprisingly, although the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) published a resolution in 2012 that made Brazil the first country to ban all additives (including menthol) that could enhance the flavour and taste of tobacco products,2 its implementation was effectively halted by tobacco industry litigation.3 4 The judgement by the Supreme Federal Court will resume in early 20265 and has the potential to pre-empt lawsuits filed in lower courts (both existing and new), thereby bringing an end to tobacco industry interference in Brazil’s additive ban.^{3 4 6}

One of the many arguments raised by the tobacco industry against the 2012 ban is that 98% of Brazilian domestic cigarette production relies on a…

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