The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

The first coordinated global effort to reduce tobacco use; world's first public health treaty

Background

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) entered into force on February 27, 2005. The FCTC requires countries that have ratified it to implement scientifically proven measures to reduce tobacco use and its terrible toll in health, lives and money.

If effectively implemented, the tobacco treaty will be a fundamental turning point in reducing tobacco use and its devastating consequences around the world. So far, 168 nations have signed the treaty and 161 have ratified it.

Provisions

The objective of the FCTC is "to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke by providing a framework for tobacco control measures to be implemented by the Parties at the national, regional, and international levels...".

The treaty commits countries to:

  • ban or restrict tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship;
  • place large, graphic health warnings on cigarette packs and prohibit the use of false and misleading terms such as “light” and “low-tar”;
  • implement measures to protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke;
  • increase the price of tobacco products, particularly through taxation, to discourage tobacco use;
  • eliminate the illicit trade of tobacco products;
  • regulate the content of tobacco products and require public disclosure of ingredients;
  • provide cessation assistance and treatment for tobacco dependence;
  • and prevent sales of tobacco products to minors;

Impact

The Conference of the Parties (COP) – consisting of nations that have signed and ratified the FCTC - is the governing body of the FCTC. The COP adopts by consensus the guidelines and other regulatory aspects of the convention.

Since the FCTC entered into force, the COP has met formally on two occasions – February 2006 in Geneva and June/July 2007 in Bangkok. A few key outcomes of these conferences include the adoption of guidelines for establishing 100% smoke-free public places and work places, and an agreement to begin negotiations on a protocol on the illicit tobacco trade.

In addition to increasing public awareness of the tobacco epidemic and of tobacco companies’ marketing tactics in countries around the world, the treaty has strengthened the global tobacco control movement itself by giving new impetus to efforts to enact or strengthen national legislation and action to control the harm caused by tobacco.

The treaty is helping to mobilize national and global technical and financial support for tobacco control, bringing new government ministries and agencies - including those dealing with foreign affairs and finance - more deeply into the tobacco control effort, and mobilizing civil society organizations in support of stronger tobacco control.

Continuing Efforts

In order to support the development of a strong FCTC and combat tobacco industry tactics, non-governmental organizations from around the world have formed an alliance. Now comprising more than 200 groups from more than 90 countries, the Framework Convention Alliance (FCA) plays a key role in educating policymakers and strengthening cooperation across borders.