World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. Provisions which do not fall under Title V of Part III of the TFEU

The European Parliament adopted by 608 votes to 11, with 14 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products to the World Health Organisation's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, with the exception of its provisions falling within the scope of Title V of Part Three of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

In line with the recommendation made by the Committee on International Trade, Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (FCTC Protocol) was adopted by the Conference of the Parties on 12 November 2012 in Seoul and contains a complex set of measures, rules and policy in the field of fighting illicit trade in tobacco products.

The Protocol:

• aims to make the supply chain of tobacco, tobacco products and manufacturing equipment secure by establishing a global tracking and tracing system;
• contains provisions to ensure control include licencing, record keeping requirements, regulation of Internet- sales, duty-free sales and international transit;
• establishes offences, addresses liability and seizure payments as well as the disposal of confiscated products;
• aims to boost international cooperation including through mutual administrative assistance in customs matters.