Six years ago, this day, the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products entered into force and today counts 69 Parties that are progressively implementing it.
Illicit trade accounts for about 11% of total global tobacco trade, and its elimination could increase global tax revenues by an estimated US$ 47.4 billion annually.
The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products represents a global solution to a global problem. The international treaty, the first of its kind, aims to eliminate all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products through a comprehensive package of measures to be implemented by countries in cooperation with each other. The Protocol builds upon and complements Article 15 of the WHO FCTC, which requires Parties to implement measures to counter illicit trade in tobacco products, such as supply chain control measures and cooperation in law enforcement and prosecution.
It not only assists Parties in protecting the achievements under WHO FCTC, but also addresses key issues such as transnational organized crime, corruption, money laundering, national security, losses in government revenues, poverty, and tobacco-related diseases.
The Third session of the Meeting of the Parties, the governing body of the treaty, took place this year, taking decisive action on tobacco tracking-and-tracing systems and approving a road map to conduct evidence-based research on illicit trade. The MOP also adopted the Panama Declaration, which calls on national governments to be wary of the ceaseless campaign by the tobacco industry and those working to further its interests to undermine efforts to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.
Today, Parties have contributed to a number of significant milestones in implementation since the Protocol entered into force. The Convention Secretariat has assisted the Parties in accelerating the implementation of this new treaty. This support has been provided, at their requests, through various means, including capacity-building webinars, study visits, and reviews of legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Also, following the adoption of the Strategy for mechanisms of assistance and financial resources to support the implementation of the Protocol by the MOP, the Convention Secretariat has conducted needs assessment missions in collaboration with approximately ten countries. This assistance has enabled several of these countries to enhance the capacity of key stakeholders, establish or strengthen multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms, and develop comprehensive roadmaps and strategies to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.
Parties that are not yet part of the Protocol family could benefit from this international treaty by ratifying and implementing it. This Protocol would help countries fight global organized crime, poverty, and strengthen the health of their citizens through a number of measures to:
- Secure the supply chain
- Facilitate investigation and prosecution
- Foster international cooperation