Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, also called the Global Tobacco Treaty, is the World Health Organization's first international attempt to regulate tobacco industry practices and behavior through a formal multinational agreement.

The WHO FCTC was four years in the making. The FCTC was completed and opened for signatures in June 2003 and as of 2008, the Treaty had 168 countries signed on. The United States signed the treaty on May 10, 2004, but has never ratified it.

The Global Tobacco Treaty requires that countries devise regulations to reduce demand for tobacco through price and tax measures and non-price measures. Non-price measures include creating laws and regulations aimed at protecting people from exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, product disclosures, labeling, public awareness, tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship and assistance with cessation. The FCTC also strives to reduce supplies of tobacco by mandating countries move to regulate illicit trade in tobacco products, sales to minors, and support for economically viable alternative activities to tobacco farming.

The FCTC came into force on February 27, 2005, 90 days after it had been agreed upon, ratified, accepted and approved by 40 States.

Related Sourcewatch resources

 * Tobacco smuggling
 * Tobacco industry marketing aimed at youth
 * Tobacco industry public relations strategies

External resources

 * Corporate Accountability International Global Protests Demand Big Tobacco Stop Interfering With Treaty, Press release, September 17, 2008.