How PMI is making an IMPACT against illicit trade

With USD 48 million in grants already awarded since its launch back in 2016, PMI IMPACT is ready to support new projects that tackle all forms of illegal trade, while enabling organizations to build innovative and sustainable solutions, fostering public-private partnerships, and calling attention to the issue of illegal trade at a global, regional, and national level.

PMI IMPACT’S new round of funding will focus on projects that aim to reduce or prevent illegal trade, and counter its negative consequences for individuals, their families, and communities. 

Bringing innovation and technological advancement in the fight against contraband and counterfeited goods is essential, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. PMI IMPACT will also be open to evaluating projects aimed at limiting the threats of counterfeited and substandard vaccines, medicines, medical supplies, and personal protective equipment.

Grants will soon be open to project proposals from public, private, or non-profit organizations, including governmental organizations, international organizations, associations, academic institutions, and companies.

The IMPACT of previous funding rounds

The first funding round was launched in June 2016 and called for projects combating illegal trade and related crimes in the European Union. A total of 31 projects in 16 countries—including academic institutions, law-enforcement agencies, and private organizations—were awarded grants totaling USD 28 million. Covering a broad range of activities in the EU and neighboring countries, the selected projects presented innovative solutions and perspectives.

PMI IMPACT’s second funding round was launched in September 2017, and funded 29 projects, reaching a total of USD 20 million. The successful applicants from 22 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North and South America, focused on initiatives that addressed converging forms of illegal trade and related crimes in a wider geographical scope. These projects represented a range of think tanks, research institutions, universities, and law-enforcement authorities.

What is PMI IMPACT?

Philip Morris International launched the PMI IMPACT initiative to address multiple aspects of illegal trade—ranging from tobacco, alcohol, and pharmaceutical products to wildlife trafficking.

PMI IMPACT’s mission statement acknowledges the importance of fostering an inclusive approach for public and private sectors and civil society to build innovative programs against illegal trade in its many forms. 

Since 2016, PMI IMPACT has built up an ecosystem of grantees, developing innovative solutions to eradicate illegal activities affecting the economy and society. In total, PMI has committed USD 100 million to support public, private, and nongovernmental organizations in developing solutions to fight against illegal trade and its related crimes.