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Philip Morris Faces Italian Antitrust Probe Over Advertising

Provided by Dow Jones Oct 15, 2025, 7:44:00 AM

By Mauro Orru

Italy's competition watchdog launched an investigation into Philip Morris International, saying the tobacco company might have misled customers when advertising some products.

The Italian Competition Authority, or AGCM, said Wednesday that Philip Morris resorted to phrases such as smoke-free and smoke-free future when promoting certain products. Officials said these phrases could mislead consumers because they referenced products that can be addictive or harmful even though they don't involve combustion.

Antitrust and law enforcement officials carried out inspections at company premises on Tuesday, the AGCM said.

Philip Morris didn't respond to a request for comment.

Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 15, 2025 03:44 ET (07:44 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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