Verbatim report of proceedings

Tuesday, 7 June 2016 - Strasbourg

Eliminating illicit trade in tobacco products: protocol to the WHO Framework Convention (judicial cooperation in criminal matters) (A8-0198/2016 - Martina Anderson)

  Doru-Claudian Frunzulică (S&D), in writing. ‒ This is a consent file for ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, FCTC Protocol. This protocol is currently the only multilateral regulatory initiative in this field. Not only is illicit trade in tobacco products harmful to public health, but it also results in huge losses in revenue to the EU.

This protocol consists of a complex set of measures and rules to tackle illicit trade, such as establishing a global tracking and tracing system to make the supply chain more secure. This proposal is in line with the EU’s comprehensive strategy to combat cigarette smuggling. Other provisions include licensing, record keeping requirements and regulation of internet-sales, duty-free sales and international transit. It establishes offences, and addresses liability and seizure payments, as well as the disposal of confiscated products.

I welcome the achievement of the first multilateral initiative to tackle illicit trade of tobacco and cigarette smuggling by securing supply chains. This is also a very important from the side of public health as well as fight against tax evasion.