WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005. It has since become one of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in United Nations history.

The WHO FCTC was developed in response to the globalization of the tobacco epidemic and is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health. The Convention represents a milestone for the promotion of public health and provides new legal dimensions for international health cooperation.

Description

• Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
• Packaging and labelling
• Regulation and disclosure of contents of tobacco products
• Illicit trade
• Price and tax measures
• Sales to and by minors
• Government support for tobacco manufacturing and agriculture
• Treatment of tobacco dependence
• Passive smoking and smoke-free environments
• Surveillance, research and exchange of information
• Scientific, technical and legal cooperation

Final text of the WHO FCTC:

in English
in Arabic
in Chinese
in French
in Russian
in Spanish

Signatures and ratification The updated status of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), including the list of signatures and ratification, can be found on the WHO web site.