Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is the first treaty negotiated through the auspices of the World Health Organization.

Its objective, as set forth in Article 3 of the Convention, is "to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke by providing a framework for tobacco control measures to be implemented by the Parties at the national, regional and international levels in order to reduce continually and substantially the prevalence of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke".

The FCTC is one of the most rapidly embraced treaties in history. It entered into force on 27 February 2005 and, as of March 2007 it had 144 Parties. Australia ratified the FCTC on 27 October 2004.

FCTC tobacco control measures

Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) agree to adopt a range of tobacco control measures, in relation to tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, protection from exposure to tobacco smoke and illicit trade in tobacco products.

Conference of the parties (COP)

The Conference of the Parties (COP)is the formal entity through which the Parties to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) come together and make decisions. The first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the FCTC was held in Geneva in February 2006.

Framework Convention Alliance

The Framework Convention Alliance is the major international nongovernmental organisation working towards the ongoing development and implementation of the FCTC.