AMN / NEW DELHI

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval to accede to the Protocol under World Health Organization, WHO, Framework Convention on tobacco control to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.

It will be applicable to both smoking and chewing or smokeless tobacco (SLT) forms as negotiated and adopted under Article 15 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). India is a party to WHO FCTC.

Elimination of illicit trade in tobacco products through strengthened regulation will help in strengthening comprehensive tobacco control, leading to a reduction in tobacco. It will result in a reduction in disease burden and mortality associated with tobacco use.