One year ago, on 12 November 2012, the Parties to the WHO FCTC adopted the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products in Seoul, Republic of Korea. It is the first protocol to the WHO FCTC and a new international treaty in its own right. It is also another milestone in strengthening tobacco control and the legal dimensions of international health cooperation. The Protocol is open for signature and ratification by all WHO FCTC Parties.
To date, 37 Parties from all six WHO regions have signed. To become a Party to the Protocol, Parties to the WHO FCTC that have signed will also have to ratify it. In order to enter into force, the Protocol requires ratification by 40 Parties.
