FCTC Celebrates 20 Years – But Illicit Trade Still a Big Challenge

On 27 February 2025, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) celebrated the 20th anniversary of its entry into force.

Commenting on the key achievements of the FCTC over the last 20 years, Dr Adriana Blanco Marquizo, Head of the FCTC Secretariat advised that global tobacco use prevalence had dropped by one third, and that there were now an estimated 118 million fewer tobacco users in the world compared to 2005.

‘But while there have been great gains in tobacco control over the last two decades, there is a long way to go. 1.3 billion people are estimated to still use tobacco products globally,’ she added.

One of the ongoing challenges with implementing tobacco control measures relates to illicit trade.

While many countries have raised taxes on tobacco products by significant amounts, cross-border trade in cheaper illicit products has flourished in many regions and countries of the world.

In 2012, the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, was adopted by FCTC member states, although work to advance enforcement is still ongoing today, Marquizo noted. ‘This work addresses the threat posed by the illicit trade of tobacco, which undermines control measures, diminishes tax revenues and fuels criminal activities.’