By Mauro Orru
Italy's competition watchdog launched an investigation into Philip Morris International, saying the tobacco company might have misled customers when promoting some products as smoke-free.
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.
A Philip Morris spokesman said the company believes it has complied with Italian and European legislation. The group will continue to cooperate with the Italian competition watchdog throughout the proceedings to demonstrate the legitimacy of its actions, he added.
Write to Mauro Orru at mauro.orru@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
10-15-25 0912ET
