Protocols and guidelines

The WHO FCTC recognizes that the Conference of the Parties (COP) may adopt protocols and guidelines to assist with the implementation of the Convention.

According to Article 33 of the Convention, the COP may adopt protocols to the Convention. Only Parties to the Convention may be Parties to a protocol. Any protocol to the Convention shall be binding only on the Parties to the protocol in question.

The first protocol to the WHO FCTC, on illicit trade in tobacco products, is currently at an advanced stage of negotiations. The protocol will build upon and complement the provisions of Article 15 of the Convention.

The Conference of the Parties has established an intergovernmental process for the development of guidelines for the implementation of different provisions of the Convention. Guidelines for the implementation of several articles have already been adopted by the COP. Work on additional guidelines is being undertaken by working groups established by the COP.