Tobacco Control: don't trade away public health

Summary the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control negotiations in 2003 by Remi Parmentier, Political Adviser for ASH. Remi Parmentier examines the role between tobacco control and free trade.

Critical analysis of the Revised Chair's text for the INB-6 meeting of the FCTC

ASH and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids detailed critical analysis of the Revised Chair's text of the Inter-governmental Negotiating Body of the FCTC meeting 17-28 February 2003.

Chair of the FCTC process rationale for changes

Ambassador Luiz Felipe de Seixas Correa, Chair of the FCTC process, has released his rationale for changes made to the FCTC text. 

ASH Press release

ASH Press release in reaction to the text for the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. 

World Trade Organisation agreements and public health

A joint World Health Organisation and World Trade Organisation outlines the linkages between international trade and public health.

Framework Convention Alliance position paper on tobacco smuggling and the FCTC

FCA paper on the measures needed to tackle smuggling in the FCTC - prepared in advance of the Conference on Illicit Trade by the US Government July 2002.  Measures are put forward that would remove the tobacco companies' incentives to smuggle and secure the international wholesale distribution system.

10 key issues for global tobacco control and the FCTC

By the Framework Convention Alliance one page summary position on the ten main issues in global tobacco control. Also available in Spanish | French | Portuguese | Chinese

10 key issues for global tobacco control and the FCTC (Spanish)

Spanish version of the Framework Convention Alliance one page summary position on the ten main issues in global tobacco control.

10 key issues for global tobacco control and the FCTC (French)

French version of the Framework Convention Alliance one page summary position on the ten main issues in global tobacco control.

10 key issues for global tobacco control and the FCTC (Portuguese)

Portuguese version of the Framework Convention Alliance one page summary position on the ten main issues in global tobacco control.

10 key issues for global tobacco control and the FCTC (Chinese)

Chinese version of the Framework Convention Alliance one page summary position on the ten main issues in global tobacco control.

Commentary for the INB-4 meeting of the FCTC

Detailed analysis by ASH of the text and proposals for the Inter-governmental Negotiating Body of the FCTC fourth meeting 18-23 March 2002. Here ASH provides a detailed analysis of the texts with proposals and comments.

David Byre speech to Warsaw Declaration: Turning the tide on the tobacco epidemic

Speech by the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection to the Ministerial Conference for a Tobacco-free Europe.

Warsaw Declaration - European consensus statement on tobacco policy and the FCTC. (External Web Page)

Communique of the ministerial conference in Warsaw of 19 February 2002 by Marc Danzon and Mariusz Lapiriski

Advertising, promotion and sponsorship

ASH briefing for the Malaysian government on Advertising, promotion and sponsorship. For the ASEAN inter-session meeting March 2002 on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The briefing outlines key issues for the INB-4. 

Section G2 of the FCTC working texts deals with tobacco advertising – it is one of the central components of tobacco policy. It does not require significant government expenditure, but can deliver substantial health benefits.

Packaging and labelling of tobacco products

ASH briefing to the Malaysian Government on Packaging and labelling of tobacco products to the ASEAN inter-session meeting March 2002.  
This briefing was written for Framework Convention on Tobacco Control negotiations and outlines key issues for the INB-4 on the packaging and labelling of tobacco products

For the governments packaging of tobacco products is an important space for mandatory health warnings, consumer information and anti-smuggling marks. As advertising is steadily banned and restricted around the world, the pack is becoming an important promotional space for tobacco companies.

Tackling the illicit trade in tobacco

ASH briefing for Malaysian Government for the ASEAN inter-session meeting March 2002 on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The briefing outlines key issues for the INB-4 on tackling the illicit trade in tobacco.

Regulation and disclosure

ASH briefing for Malaysian Government for the ASEAN inter-session meeting March 2002 on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The briefing outlines key issues for the INB-4 on regulation and disclosure of tobacco contents.

Tobacco taxes and duty free

ASH briefing for Malaysian Government for the ASEAN inter-session meeting March 2002 on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The briefing outlines key issues for the INB-4 on tobacco taxes and duty free.

Proposals to tackle smuggling

An ASH briefing examining the various proposals for measures on smuggling from by various parties in the WHO Framework Convention

Article examining the World Trade Organisation's health agenda (External Web Page)

BMJ Editorial: The World Trade Organisation's health agenda: Opening up the health services markets may worsen health equity for the poor. This article examine the consequences of trade liberalisation on the health equity of the world's poor. 17 November 2001.

Organising successful negotiations for the FCTC: Options and lessons from other conventions

This paper examines how negotiating techniques could be used to make the FCTC negotiations work more effectively.

Draft text from Intergovernmental meeting in 2001

Globalisation is good for your health, mostly. With discussion. (External Web Page)

Article by Richard Feachem, in BMJ in Education and Debate. September 2001

Developing countries take the lead on WHO convention - review of INB-2

A review of FCTC negotiations in May 2001. This article highlights the negative role of US, EU and WHO and the positive role of developing countries - and the danger of compromise and dilution that lies ahead.

WHO: Confronting the Tobacco Epidemic in an Era of Trade Liberalisation

Commission on MacroEconomics and Health of the WHO, working paper. Examines the policy implications between international trade liberalisation and health outcomes.

ASH addresses the issues surrounding the viability of liability

Problems, risks and opportunities of developing a liability regime under the FCTC.

ASH examines the pros and cons and options for a regime that would hold tobacco companies liable for damage to health - and perhaps for losses due to smuggling.

WHO consultation on liability and compensation (External PDF)

During the first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, it was noted by the Chair of the Negotiating Body, Ambassador Celso Amorim, "it might be useful to convene a meeting of legal advisers to consider the question of liability and compensation in greater depth"

The meeting was convened by WHO on the 9-10 April 2001 in Geneva. Two experts, Dr A.O. Adede and Professor S. Murphy, were commissioned to prepare full studies on the possible nature and scope of compensation and liability provisions for the FCTC and other experts from around the world were invited to make short comments.

Philip Morris: International Trade Implications of the Proposed WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (External Web Page)

Article by Robert Weissman special to CorpWatch: Big Tobacco and Free Trade. 12 April 2001.

International Trade Agreements and their impact on Public Health Measures to reduce tobacco use

Given the broad reach of the trade agreements, and the variety of potential barriers they pose to tobacco control policies, it is essential that those charged with negotiating international agreements resolve the current conflict between tobacco control and trade liberalisation by ensuring that national and international measures to curb tobacco are not undermined by obligations under commercial trade agreements.

Journal Article: Tobacco control in an era of trade liberalisation

Article in Tobacco Control. Tobacco control advocates need to be aware of whether the wave of trade liberalisation around the world leads to increased smoking and undermines the ability of governments to adopt tobacco control measures.

Public Health, International Trade and the FCTC

Outlines the impact on public health through increased tobacco consumption through the liberalisation of international trade.

FCTC Implications for the Asia Pacific region

For the World Assembly on Tobacco Counters Health WATCH-2000 Tobacco Free Conference in New Delhi, India December 2000. Technical paper outlining the implications of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

ASH submission to WHO public hearings on the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

ASH submission supporting the WHO's new proposals

ASH briefing paper on the first negotiations of the FCTC

ASH outlines the issues facing the World Health Organisation for the first negotiations of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control October 2000.

Globalisation of tobacco industry influence and new responses.

The globalisation of tobacco marketing, trade, research, and industry influence represents a major threat to public health worldwide. This journal article demonstrates how the tobacco industry operates as a global force, regarding the world as its operating market by planning, developing and marketing its products on a global scale.

Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: Basic Briefing

ASH answers common questions surrounding the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

WHO Bulletin - Relationship between global trade and health (External PDF)

Critical reflection: Global trade and health, key linkages and future challenges. By Douglas Bettcher, Dereck Yack and G. Emmanuel Guindon April 2000

Guidance to UK embassies

Guidance produced by the government to overseas diplomatic posts around tobacco - exportation and importation. Instructions to UK embassy staff not to promote tobacco or attend tobacco sponsored events