Tobacco Industry Interference Index Germany 2023

This report serves as the third Tobacco Industry Interference Index for Germany, analyzing the influence of the tobacco industry on public policy and health regulations. It outlines the detrimental impact of tobacco industry lobbying on effective tobacco control, revealing that the industry's involvement has led to low taxation rates and inadequate marketing regulations. The report documents alarming interactions between tobacco industry representatives and policymakers, including lobbying meetings related to the 2021 tobacco taxation amendments. It highlights the role of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in facilitating unnecessary interactions with industry stakeholders, which contradicts the guidelines of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The findings indicate a deterioration in the scores of industry interference over the past three years, emphasizing the need for stronger protective measures against tobacco industry influence in Germany. The report ultimately underscores the challenges faced in implementing effective tobacco control policies due to persistent industry lobbying efforts.