Search Search

About FCTC

FCTC card - FarsiThe WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) – the world’s first international public health treaty – was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005. Negotiated under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution, it represents a landmark in international health cooperation and a turning point in the fight against the global tobacco epidemic.

The Convention has been ratified by 182 Parties, making it one of the most rapidly and widely embraced treaties in United Nations history. Only a small number of UN Member States remain outside the agreement. Under the FCTC, which is legally binding, Parties commit to implementing measures to reduce the demand for, and supply of, tobacco products.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has incorporated the FCTC into its national legal and health framework.

Purpose and scope

WHO FCTC seeks “to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke”. It provides a global framework for countries to enact evidence-based policies that minimize tobacco use and its harm.

Earlier WHO efforts focused primarily on infectious diseases. The FCTC was the first legally binding global response to a major noncommunicable disease risk factor, setting a precedent for multilateral action in health governance and inspiring calls for other international treaties on public health.

Key provisions

FCTC card - FarsiThe FCTC establishes universal standards to limit tobacco use while encouraging Parties to adopt even stronger national measures. Core provisions include:

Article 5.3 – protect public health policies from interference by the tobacco industry;

Article 6 – adopt price and tax measures to reduce demand;

Article 8 – protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke;

Articles 9 and 10 – test, measure and regulate tobacco product contents and emissions and disclose this information to governmental authorities and the public;

Article 11 – mandate health warnings and plain packaging;

Article 12 – raise awareness of tobacco harms;

Article 13 – ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship;

Article 14 – provide support for cessation services;

Article 15 – combat illicit trade in tobacco products;

Article 16 – prohibit sales to and by minors; and

Article 17 – promote economically viable alternatives to tobacco growing.

Article 7 requests the Conference of the Parties (COP) to adopt guidelines that help countries meet their obligations under the treaty.

Conclusion

As a Party to FCTC, Iran has made significant legal, regulatory and programmatic strides in tobacco control since ratification. The FCTC has provided structure and momentum for implementing comprehensive tobacco control measures, ranging from smoke-free laws, health warnings and advertising bans to awareness campaigns and cessation services.

Gaps remain, particularly in taxation, full enforcement, ensuring compliance at subnational levels, supporting growers and applying rigorous oversight of industry interference. Going forward, sustained political commitment, multisectoral coordination, civil society engagement and alignment with best global practices will strengthen Iran’s capacity to meet its FCTC obligations and reduce tobacco-associated harms.

Privacy policy

© WHO 2025