A recent report from the Framework Convention Alliance (FCA) highlighted places around the world that they’ll be paying close attention to this year. Many of these “hot spots” are places with on-going point of sale policy disputes or newly proposed point of sale policies. Though the policy environment and viable policy options vary from country to country, the impact of tobacco marketing is a global problem. Check out the progress on the “War in the Store” on the international front:

• While Australia is dealing with challenges to its plain packaging law, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom are considering passing plain packaging laws of their own. Read more about why plain packaging matters and other ways to restrict tobacco product packaging.
• Many countries are hoping to pass regulations that require pictorial health warnings, including Burkina Faso, Indonesia, Senegal, and South Africa.
• Brazil has banned all flavors and additives from tobacco products, but the law is facing a challenge from the National Confederation of Industries.  While the US banned the sale of flavored cigarettes with the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, there are now hundreds of youth-friendly flavors of other tobacco products including little cigars and cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Find tips and resources on regulating other flavored tobacco products.
• China is mulling new restrictions on tobacco advertising.
• Remember the “Don’t Be a Maybe, Be Marlboro” campaign that John Oliver showcased on Last Week Tonight?  Phillip Morris International is challenging Germany’s ban on the campaign.
• India has proposed lots of POS measures, including increased tobacco taxes and a ban on the sale of single cigarettes.
• While Putin has said no new taxes before 2019, advocates in Russia are still pushing for increased tobacco taxes. There are plenty of ways to raise tobacco prices through non-tax approaches, too!