According to the ASEAN Tobacco Control Atlas, the tobacco industry* rallies and funds front groups to fight tobacco control measures at both international and national level. The tobacco industry refers to (a) any tobacco or tobacco product (including electronic smoking devices (ESD)) manufacturer, processor, wholesale distributor, importer , (b) any parent, affiliate, branch, or subsidiary of a tobacco or tobacco product (including ESD) manufacturer, wholesale distributor, importer, retailer, or (c) any individual or entity, such as, but not limited to an interest group, think tank, advocacy organization, lawyer, law firm, scientist, lobbyist, public relations, and/or advertising agency, business, or foundation, that represents or works to promote the interests of the tobacco and nicotine industry. The International Tobacco Growers Association (ITGA) is one such group which mobilizes tobacco growers to interfere in tobacco control policy development in ASEAN countries and fight FCTC implementation particularly Articles 8, 9, 10, 17 and 18. Other front groups include retailers and trade associations, coffee shop associations or research groups, which challenge tobacco control legislation.
