Responsibly marketing our products to existing adult nicotine consumers.
Tobacco products carry risks to health. These risks distinguish tobacco from most consumer goods and they place upon the industry a real responsibility. It's a responsibility for which JTI expects to be held accountable, together with governments and the rest of society.
JTI therefore supports the implementation of practical, effective and proportionate regulation that governs the marketing of tobacco products, while preserving JTI's right to communicate with adults who use those products.
However, whatever the level of regulation that applies to its marketing activities, JTI is committed to its five Global Marketing Principles to ensure there is a responsible and consistent approach to how it markets its combustible tobacco products and its reduced-risk products to existing adult consumers of these products.
Abiding by these Principles also ensures that JTI’s reputation is safeguarded while assuring that its marketing practices support the sustainability of the business.
Our Global Marketing Principles are as follows:
We market our products honestly and using accurate information.
All existing adult consumers of combustible tobacco products should be reminded about the health risks associated with these products.
We comply with all laws and regulations.
Our dedication to responsible marketing reflects our commitment to consumer well-being and the sustainability of our business. Explore the sections below to learn more about our specific marketing standards.
JTI is committed to youth smoking prevention and participates with other tobacco companies and retail associations in ongoing programs to prevent minors from obtaining tobacco products.
Age verification is an important element of every marketing program through which JTI is in direct contact with consumers of tobacco products in order to advertise or promote its brands:
Age verification is required when JTI is in face-to-face contact with consumers of tobacco products or when JTI is in remote contact with such consumers, for example, through dedicated JTI brand websites;
Age verification must be completed before a consumer of tobacco products is exposed to any advertising or promotional content or product samples.
Examples of age verification methods include visual inspection, inspection of government-issued proof of identity bearing a date of birth and a photograph and a conclusion by a reliable third-party provider of verification services that the personal identifying information is not falsified.
JTI advertising and promotion in any medium or advertising channel is directed only toward existing adult users of tobacco products. For example, JTI does not:
Use imagery or fonts that appeal to minors, feature or mention celebrities, or depict anyone who is under 25 years old, appears to be under 25 years old, or is presented as being under 25 years old;
Imply that smoking contributes to sporting or athletic success, sexual success or to social or professional success;
In principle, advertise its tobacco products and tobacco brands on television, radio or in cinemas;
Advertise in printed publications distributed to the general public unless there is reliable, third-party data establishing that at least 75% of the publication’s readers are adults and the number of minors who read it constitutes less than 10% of all minors in the country of circulation;
Permit, pay to or accept payment from third parties for the placement of products, advertisements, or branded objects in any mass medium entertainment produced by a third party and intended for the public such as motion pictures, television programs, theatrical productions, live or recorded music, video games, or internet postings, such as videos and blogs;
Contribute to or sponsor events or activities to promote a brand to consumers unless the event has no particular appeal to minors and at least 75% of the attendees or audience is adult;
Place advertisements, brand names, brand logos, or brand elements on objects particularly marketed to or used by minors, including without limitation toys and clothing in child sizes.
JTI denies minors access to advertising and promotional material in advertising channels or media wherever it is possible to do so. JTI excludes minors and non-users of tobacco products from participation in promotional offers and programs wherever this is permitted by law.
JTI only sends direct mail, email and text messaging and only grants access to advertising and promotion content on dedicated JTI brand or other publicly accessible websites to consumers who:
Provide information that allows JTI to verify that they are adults who live in the market targeted by the website, direct mail, email or text message;
Are current users of tobacco products;
Agree to the terms and conditions set out by JTI before access to the website is granted, or agree to receive branded direct mail, email or text messages from JTI.
JTI provides verified adult consumers of tobacco products with an option to decline further access at any time and respects their choice. Similarly, they have the option of declining further receipt of branded direct mail, email or text messages. JTI also excludes minors and non-users of tobacco products when it may legally do so.
JTI distributes solicited product samples only where this is permitted by law and only to adult consumers of tobacco products whose age has been verified. JTI provides product samples and products in exchange for competitors' products in person only to existing adult consumers of tobacco products whose age has been verified. JTI does not distribute unsolicited product samples by mail.
JTI employees or agents engaged in sampling or providing products in exchange for competitors’ products must themselves be adults.
JTI does not conduct market research involving or in relation to minors. JTI has no interest in information about minors’ consumption of tobacco products. JTI does no
JTI places health warnings on all packaging of cigarettes and other tobacco products for retail sale, even if it is not required to do so by law.
JTI also puts clearly visible health warnings on all advertising and promotional materials except, where permitted by law, on:
Advertising smaller than 250 cm² used on any surface at point of sale; and
Promotional items where advertising, brand elements and brand logos cover less than 25 cm².
JTI makes no health claims, relative or absolute, express or implied, for its products.
Product claims relating to the design, composition, smoking characteristics, packaging or other aspects of JTI’s tobacco products and tobacco brands must be substantiated by scientific, technical or consumer research.