WHO takes aim at tobacco smuggling with new pact
Sunday, 17 February 2008
GENEVA, Feb 16 (Reuters): Nearly 130 countries have taken the first steps towards a new treaty to combat tobacco smuggling, blamed for higher consumption and up to $50 billion in lost tax revenues each year, officials said yesterday.
The officials, from several international agencies, were speaking after the first negotiations under the World Health Organisation (WHO). They called for the pact to be ready for adoption by 2010, adding political will was needed.
They discussed a protocol to the WHO international treaty on tobacco control, which already bans sales to minors and tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
The United Nations agency estimates 5 million people die each year of tobacco-related diseases.
The officials, from several international agencies, were speaking after the first negotiations under the World Health Organisation (WHO). They called for the pact to be ready for adoption by 2010, adding political will was needed.
They discussed a protocol to the WHO international treaty on tobacco control, which already bans sales to minors and tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
The United Nations agency estimates 5 million people die each year of tobacco-related diseases.