In May 2004 the Mexican government announced an agreement with the tobacco industry that related to tobacco control measures and industry contributions to the Seguro Popular de Salud, a programme for people without health insurance.1 Although the agreement has received little international discussion, it has implications not only in Mexico but in other countries that may be tempted to follow Mexico’s example. The timing of the agreement raises concern that it may be an industry model for counteracting the effect of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.