Cyprus signs anti-illicit trade protocol
Cyprus has become the 36th country to have ratified an international protocol aimed at eliminating the illicit trade in tobacco products, according to a story in the Famagusta Gazette.
The protocol was adopted with much fanfare in November at the fifth Conference of the Parties to the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which was held at Seoul, South Korea.
The WHO opened the protocol for signature in January when the organization’s director-general, Margaret Chan, apparently told delegates attending the ceremony that one of the most joyous moments of her life had been the unanimous adoption of the protocol, despite efforts by the tobacco industry to prevent it from passing.
In fact, the protocol is almost certainly broadly welcomed by the tobacco industry, for which the illicit trade is a fierce competitor. The industry would like to see the speedy implementation of one of its commitments—the establishment an efficient international track and trace system for tobacco products.
And it would almost certainly like to see the protocol broadened to encompass certain manufacturing materials.
The protocol is due to enter into force 90 days after the 40th FCTC participating country has ratified it.
