Geneva, Switzerland – Today marks the seventh anniversary of the entry into force of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, the first protocol under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) aimed at curbing the global illicit tobacco trade, which undermines public health, fuels organized crime and deprives governments of vital revenue.
Since entering into force in 2018, there are now 70 governments that have joined the Protocol as Parties, with commitments to implement its robust measures, including tracking and tracing systems, supply chain controls, enhanced law enforcement cooperation, legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to combat illicit trade effectively.
Tackling a Multi-Billion Dollar Threat
Illicit trade in tobacco products accounts for an estimated 11% of the global tobacco market, costing governments over US$47 billion in tax revenues annually. These funds could otherwise support vital public services, including healthcare and education.
Illicit tobacco undermines tobacco control policies by making tobacco products more accessible and affordable—particularly to youth and low-income populations—while fueling organized crime and corruption.
“The Protocol is a tool for justice, equity, and health,” said Mr Andrew Black, Team Lead, Direct Assistance to Parties, Secretariat of the WHO FCTC. “On this anniversary, we celebrate the progress made and call on all countries to join this global effort.’’
A Growing Global Effort
Recently, countries including North Macedonia and Jordan have formally become a Party to the Protocol, demonstrating a growing global consensus on the urgent need to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.
During the Third Meeting of the Parties (MOP3) held in early 2024, Parties to the Protocol adopted key decisions to accelerate global tracking systems, enhance data sharing, and improve technical assistance to Parties. This year’s MOP4 will discuss measures including evidence-based research, licensing, and international cooperation, among other topics.
Looking Ahead
As the Protocol enters its eighth year, efforts are intensifying to:
- Increase the number of Parties and expand implementation.
- Fully implement tracking and tracing systems to secure the supply chain for tobacco and to assist in investigation and enforcement action.
- Enhance international cooperation, including through information sharing, law enforcement cooperation, mutual legal and administrative assistance.
- Improve data collection and reporting, guiding more effective national and global responses.
- Raise public awareness of the social, economic, and health harms of illicit tobacco.
Call to Action
On this anniversary, the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC calls on all Parties to the WHO FCTC that have not yet joined the Protocol to become Parties and to accelerate its full implementation. Together, countries can protect public health, safeguard government revenue and disrupt criminal networks that profit from illicit trade in tobacco products.
Notes to editors
The Meeting of the Parties (MOP) serves as the governing body of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products and will take place in Geneva, Switzerland at WHO headquarters on 24-26 November 2025.
At MOP4, Parties will consider a range of measures aimed at shaping the future of the Protocol and its role in combatting illicit trade in tobacco products.
Media are invited to register here for the conference.