Philip Morris International Opens Third Funding Round of PMI IMPACT

Philip Morris International Inc. is calling for applications for the third funding round of PMI IMPACT, the global initiative supporting projects that aim to reduce or prevent illegal trade and counter its negative consequences for individuals, their families, and communities. The third funding round will support a broad range of projects designed to tackle the multifaceted and multinational illicit trade—ranging from illicit tobacco products and other consumer goods to counterfeiting of pharmaceuticals and electronics—across different geographies. Now open for submissions, applicants from public, private, or nonprofit organizations, including governmental organizations, international organizations, associations, academic institutions, and private companies, are encouraged to submit their project proposals.

“Illicit trade knows no borders, and effective measures are needed to fight this international threat, which is a top priority for PMI as it undermines all our efforts toward delivering a smoke-free future—a future that can one day be without cigarettes,” said Alvise Giustiniani, Vice President, Illicit Trade Prevention. “The pandemic has also impacted supply chains, border controls and cross-border interactions, and now, more than ever, we need programs like PMI IMPACT that exchange expertise and bring together organizations, ideas, and solutions to eradicate illegal trade.”

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

Applicants can be based anywhere in the world; however, all proposals must address the funding round theme and focus on one of the following topics:

Border control
Capacity building
Restorative justice and victims’ protection
Network engagements, awareness building, and international cooperation
COVID-19 and the threat of illicit trade

“One of the priorities of Philip Morris Romania is to enable the fight against tobacco products illicit trade, because eradicating illicit trade translates into more highways, schools and hospitals for Romania. We have made investments in the public-private partnerships, specifically in capacity building for institutions that fight against this phenomenon. In the first PMI Impact funding round, we were happy to have a partnership with two prestigious institutions from Romania: General Inspectorate of Romanian Police, with DETECT project and Southeast European Law enforcement Centre (SELEC) with the project FAIT (Fight Against Illicit Trade). Both projects have the same goal of building an operational reaction in the framework of activities which aim at fighting against the illicit trade of goods. We are waiting for new project proposals for the third round of funding through PMI Impact. These projects will contribute to the diminishing of the illicit trade for the benefit of all Romanian citizens”, said Dragoș Bucurenci, Communications Director, Philip Morris Romania.

Interested third parties can apply for the third funding round before one of the three deadlines for submission of applications:

First submission deadline: Sept. 15, 2021
Second submission deadline: Feb. 15, 2022
Third submission deadline: Aug. 15, 2022

PMI IMPACT is honored to be able to rely once again on the profound knowledge of the Expert Council, which is comprised of some of the world’s leading specialists in the field of law, human rights, anti-corruption, and technology. This council of external independent experts will play a central role in the evaluation and selection of the project proposals for the award of grants by PMI.

Navi Pillay, human rights advocate and member of the PMI IMPACT Expert Council, added: “PMI IMPACT offers a platform for organizations to bring resolutions to tackle the problematic reality of illegal trade. We are looking forward to evaluating the applications in the third funding round—the level of interest the initiative receives is truly remarkable. It is promising to see so many fantastic organizations working resolutely to fight illicit trade.”

Illegal trade remains a persistent and complex global problem. Its various forms—ranging from illicit tobacco trade to drugs, arms, and wildlife trafficking—are infinitely interlinked, with criminals exploiting large-scale smuggling routes and corrupt networks. Often operated by organized crime groups, illegal trade deprives governments and taxpayers of much needed revenues, takes business away from legitimate operators, deceives consumers with products of uncertain quality, and undermines society’s welfare and security.

Throughout the first and second funding rounds, PMI IMPACT has supported projects covering a range of activities making a lasting impact on illegal trade. We have worked with research programs to enhance knowledge on illegal trade, educational initiatives to improve public awareness of the issue, and we have helped fund the development of technological solutions to facilitate anti-illicit efforts. PMI had pledged USD 100 million to fund the first three rounds of grants; to date, PMI IMPACT has allocated a combined $48 million for the implementation of 60 projects in 30 countries as part of the initiative’s first and second funding rounds.

If you are interested in putting forward a proposal for PMI IMPACT’s third funding round, please contact the project office of PMI IMPACT at impact@pmi.com. To find out more information on how to apply, please visit www.pmi-impact.com.

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