Corporate social responsibility actions (CSR) are measures and values adopted by companies to enhance their image in society. According to numerous studies, when developed by the tobacco industry (IT), these actions end up being characterized more by their interference in public health than by their commitment to society.
Some tobacco companies make financial donations or contributions to the community, health, welfare, or environmental organizations directly or through other entities. The disclosure of these corporate “socially responsible” activities to the public might be considered commendable. However, its likely effect is to directly or indirectly promote tobacco products.
Changes related to the interference of interested sectors and the role of the State in the economy and society are a phenomenon that has been happening worldwide in recent decades and has consequently generated discussions about the role of private organizations in public health issues (Serpa & Fourneau, 2007). A growing number of companies worldwide have been striving to incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) as an integral part of their business. Currently, there is no consensus on the definition of the term CSR. However, authors such as Harjoto & Jo (2011) and Cai and colleagues (2011) suggest that the definitions of CSR refer to the efforts of companies to serve the society and the environment beyond what is required of them.
RICHTER, Ana Paula; HASSELMANN, Luis Guilherme Hasselmann; TORRES, Raquel; TURCI, Silvana Rubano; SILVA, Vera Luiza da Costa e.O uso da estratégia de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa (RSC) pela indústria do tabaco na promoção dos Dispositivos eletrônicos de fumar (DEFs) [projeto STOP]. Centro de Estudos sobre Tabaco e Saúde (Cetab), Rio de Janeiro, 23 mai. 2022. 61p.
The illicit trade in tobacco products represents a major global concern for public health, economy and public safety. More specifically, the illicit trade in tobacco products undermines tobacco control policy efforts, particularly in relation to tax policy. As they are not taxed or regulated, illicit tobacco products do not have health warnings or packaging or labeling requirements, which favors their consumption. As with other regions in the world, the illegal cigarette trade in Mercosur involves lower average prices compared to taxed cigarettes. Furthermore, the increase in the accessibility of cigarettes, via the informal market, combined with the lower prices of smuggled products - and therefore not subject to regulation - favors the consumption of cigarettes by young people and low-income populations 1,4.
HASSELMANN, Luis Guilherme Hasselmann; RICHTER, Ana Paula Cardoso; TURCI, Silvana Rubano; SILVA, Vera Luiza da Costa. Uso pela indústria do tabaco (IT) de estratégias de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa (RSC) para interferir no combate ao comércio ilícito [projeto STOP]. Centro de Estudos sobre Tabaco e Saúde (Cetab), Rio de Janeiro, 23 mai. 2022. 49p.