Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of the WHO

Commenting on the progress made at the latest round of discussions on a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of the World Health Organization (WHO), European Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne said : "I am pleased that the Commission and Member States are contributing to making this Convention a real tool in our fight against tobacco consumption." The fourth round of negotiations ended in Geneva last weekend.

The main areas where progress was achieved are tobacco advertising, passive smoking and duty free sales and illicit trade of tobacco products. On tobacco advertising, there are real prospects for a total ban on all forms of direct and indirect advertising.

On passive smoking, the EU supports the implementation and enforcement of effective measures, including legislation, that provide for protection from exposure to tobacco smoke.

On duty free sales and illicit trade of tobacco products, the EU recognizes that international movement and sale of tobacco products without payment of duties and taxes provide a possibility for large-scale illegal trade, and commits itself to measures restricting tax free and duty free sales.

Mr. Byrne welcomed the announcement of the new chair of the international negotiating body, Ambassador de Seixas Corrèa of Brazil, to streamline the working methods for the fifth round of negotiations taking place 13-25 October 2002. The FCTC will become a mixed Convention, requiring ratification by Member States and the EU and is planned to be adopted in 2003.

Full details of the FCTC negotiations at:

http://www.who.int/home-page

| Arriba |

• Commissioner Byrne's Speech at 12th World Conference on Tobacco or Health (3/8/2003)
• EU Presidency Statement - Smoking or health (24/7/2000)