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Page 1 of 3 What is the WHO FCTC? The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first international public health treaty negotiated under WHO auspices. The WHO FCTC, which was negotiated over four years and came into force on 27 February 2005, was developed in the recognition that a global strategy was needed to confront a global epidemic that countries cannot address through domestic legislation alone. The WHO FCTC contains guidelines and requirements for the implementation of the most cost-effective tobacco control measures available. Key provisions that parties to the WHO FCTC will be required to implement include:
- A comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion to be implemented within five years;
- Strong health warnings on tobacco packaging that cover at least 30% (and ideally 50%) of the principal display areas within three years;
- Protection from secondhand smoke in all indoor workplaces and public places and in public transportation; and
- Measures to reduce the smuggling of tobacco products.
The treaty also addresses a number of other issues, including the disclosure and regulation of ingredients in tobacco products, sale of tobacco products by or to minors, treatment for tobacco addiction, research and exchange of information among countries and promoting public awareness. The WHO FCTC provides for the convening of the Conference of the Parties (COP), which is comprised of all parties to the treaty. The COP has convened three times since the signing of the treaty. A fourth session of the COP will be held in Uruguay in the last quarter of 2010. In order to take part in this session of the COP, countries must have ratified the Convention at least 90 days before the start of the session. To download the text of the treaty, please visit the following link.
Link to Official Site: http://www.who.int/fctc/en/
What's new? Third Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 3)
At its third session in November 2008, the Conference of the Parties (COP) adopted guidelines for implementation of Articles 5.3, 11, & 13 of the WHO FCTC. These articles focus on the protection of public health policies with respect to tobacco control from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry; packaging and labeling of tobacco products; and tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, respectively.
First Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (INB 1) The first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products was held in Geneva from February 11-16, 2008. Representatives of 132 Parties as well as observers - States non-Parties, intergovernmental organizations and nongovernmental organizations - participated in the session. The template for a protocol on illicit trade prepared by the expert group established at the first session of the COP was used by the INB as a basis for initiating the drafting negotiations. Parties discussed the need for a comprehensive set of provisions to secure the supply chain of tobacco products regarding, inter alia: licensing, anti-money laundering provisions, tracking and tracing, record-keeping, additional security and preventive measures, enhanced law enforcement capacity, effective deterrent measures, search, confiscation and seizures, destruction and disposal, proceeds of crime and seizure of assets, and international cooperation. The Chairperson of the INB (Mr Ian Walton-George, European Community), with the support of the Convention Secretariat and relevant experts, elaborated a chairperson's text which was submitted to the second session of the INB.
Second Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (INB 2) The second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) was held in Geneva from October 20–25, 2008. It was attended by representatives of 133 Parties, as well as 16 States non-Parties, two intergovernmental organizations and nine nongovernmental organizations accredited as observers to the Conference of the Parties.
The Chairperson’s text was accepted as the basis for negotiations. Particular issues were raised about the scope and the title of the protocol. It was also requested that the text includes references to the primacy of public health objective and to the linkage between illicit trade and the tobacco industry.
The INB examined the Chairperson’s text, focusing on supply chain control, enforcement, and international cooperation. The INB also requested the Chairperson to elaborate a revised Chairperson’s text for consideration at its third session, taking into account the discussions and proposals made at the second session.
Upcoming Events
Fourth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP 4)
The fourth session of the Conference of the Parties will be held in Uruguay in the last quarter of 2010. The exact venue and dates will be announced by the end of June 2009.
Third Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (INB 3) The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products will be held from June 28 to July 5, 2009 in Geneva.
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WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) 
