ABSTRACTIllicit trade in tobacco products presents a threat to publichealth because it undermines the use of tax and pricepolicies, which are among the most effective mechanismsfor reducing tobacco consumption. Parties to the WHOFramework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) are inthe final stages of negotiating a protocol aimed atstrengthening international cooperation in the fightagainst illicit tobacco trade. While an effective multilateralresponse to illicit tobacco trade would make a significantcontribution to global tobacco control, achieving thisthrough the FCTC forum is challenging. First, while illicittobacco trade is a health problem, the expertise,experience and capacity needed to combat illicit trade arenot traditionally found in health agencies. Thedevelopment of links with other agencies, both domesticand international, is critical to ensure both an effectiveresponse and an efficient use of limited governmental andnon-governmental resources. Second, in many parts ofthe world, the tobacco industry cooperates closely withgovernments in the combating of illicit trade. Thiscooperation poses risks for tobacco control, particularly ifrelationships and norms of cooperation spill over intoother areas of FCTC implementation. An examination ofthe industry’s positioning suggests that it sees anopportunity to portray itself as ‘legitimate’ and‘responsible’, a friend of governments, and a way tointegrate itself into FCTC processes. This paper makessuggestions for moving forward in this challenging areatowards ensuring that the approach taken actuallyreduces illicit tobacco trade, strengthens tobacco taxpolicies and does not operate to undermine the FCTC.
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