First session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products
The first session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB) on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products was held in Geneva, 11-16 February 2008. Representatives of 132 Parties as well as observers - States non-Parties, intergovernmental organizations and nongovernmental organizations - participated in the session.
The template for a protocol on illicit trade prepared by the expert group established at the first session of the COP was used by the INB as a basis for initiating the drafting negotiations. The Parties also referred to the Secretariat’s note on existing agreements and arrangements relevant to the objective of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body.
In accordance with decision FCTC/COP2(12) of the second session of the COP, the Chairperson of the INB (Mr Ian Walton-George, European Community), with the support of the Convention Secretariat and relevant experts, elaborated a chairperson's text which was submitted to the second session of the INB.