WHO Tobacco Treaty Makes Progress
The progress comes despite pressure from the tobacco industry, according to WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan.
Multiple landmark decisions were adopted during the sixth session of the Conference of the parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
"As implementation of the Framework Convention reaches new heights, the tobacco industry fights back, harder and through every possible channel, no matter how devious those channels and practices are," said WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan.
One of the first decisions approved by the Parties was on the Article 6 guidelines, devoted to tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco. The regulations provide for tax rates to be monitored, increased and adjusted annually. All tobacco products will also be taxed in a comparable way to prevent substitutions of the use of one product with another.
Another big decision was the adoption of ideas regarding electronic nicotine delivery systems. The decision acknowledges the need for regulations along the lines of policies concerning other tobacco products, including banning or restricting promotion, advertising and sponsorship.