The Framework Convention Alliance (FCA) has unveiled the Guidebook on Implementing Article 8: Tracking & Tracing.
The World Health Organization Framework Convention for Tobacco Control Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products came into force in September 2018 and aims to minimize the volume of illicit tobacco products smuggled across borders.
By making tobacco products more accessible and affordable, illicit trade negatively affects public health and healthcare expenditure, according to the FCA.
Among other requirements, the protocol calls for the creation of a cross-border tracking and tracing system for tobacco products.
The guidebook provides an overview and historical context of the protocol and offers guidance on how policymakers can choose an appropriate track-and-trace system for their jurisdiction.
Source: Framework Convention on Tobacco Control