WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

What is the convention?

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control:

• provides a framework for countries to cooperate on tobacco-related actions and policies
• aims to protect people in all countries from the health, social, environmental and economic effects of tobacco.

Signing the convention is legally binding. Countries who sign the convention agree to carry out measures such as:

• develop policies on tobacco prices and taxes
• ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
• make laws on packaging and labelling
• make sure health policies are not influenced by the tobacco industry
• run education and awareness campaigns
• make laws on the content of tobacco products
• provide treatment for tobacco dependence
• combat the illegal trade in tobacco
• support and help develop international tobacco measures.

For more on what’s required under this convention, take a look at WHO’s guidelines for implementation.

When did we sign it?

Australia signed up to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in December 2003.

What do we do under the convention?

To meet our obligations under the convention, we:

• develop policies and administer laws on plain packaging, health warnings and advertising bans
• meet with industry when needed and report on those discussions
• submit progress reports to WHO about Australia’s tobacco control work.

For more on our work and other tobacco control measures in Australia, take a look at:

• what we’re doing about smoking and tobacco
• tobacco control
• smoking and tobacco laws in Australia.