Ireland ratifies Convention

The World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organisations. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right to all people to the highest standard of health.

The FCTC was developed in response to the globalisation of the tobacco epidemic and encompasses the following key measures:

1. Price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco
2. Non-price measures to reduce the demand for tobacco, namely:

• Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke;
• Regulation of the contents of tobacco products;
• Regulation of tobacco product disclosures;
• Packaging and labelling of tobacco products;
• Education, communications, training and public awareness;
• Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship;
• Demand reduction measures concerning tobacco dependence and cessation

The core supply reduction provisions in the WHO FCTC are as follows:

1. Cessation of illicit trade in tobacco products;
2. Elimination of sales to and by minors;
3. Provision of support for economically viable alternative activities.

The FCTC entered into force on 27th February 2005. To date, over 160 countries have signed the Treaty and more than 100 of those have ratified it.
Ireland ratified the FCTC on 7th November 2005.

Visit the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control website.