Abstract: The application progress of ion chromatography (IC) in tobacco chemistry is reviewed in this paper. Based on the analysis of tobacco chemical compositions, cigarette smoke chemical compositions, cigarette materials and novel tobacco products, the IC technology involved in detection of multiple substances, such as inorganic anions, inorganic cations, organic acids, organic amines, sugars, alcohols and amino acids is investigated, and the application prospect is discussed. The purposes of this paper are to help people in understanding the importance of IC in tobacco chemical detection, and to provide useful information for tobacco analysis researchers. Furthermore, it can also provide reference for the development, component monitoring and quality control of domestic tobacco products.