Tobacco Companies Assisting Government Agencies in Fighting Against Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products: Regulating the Cooperative Relations in the Protocol

Abstract

Tobacco companies are able to play a crucial role in assisting authorities in combating the illicit trade of tobacco, whether it may be in the form of contributing resources or providing technical assistance. However, at times, tobacco companies may choose instead to participate in illicit trade. Thus, aiding the government sometimes conflict with their own interests. This paper proposes that there should be some rules established to regulate the relations between the government and tobacco companies so that such conflicts are eliminated. This way, tobacco companies can be allowed to play a more positive role in the fight against the illicit trade of tobacco products.

Keywords: FCTC, tobacco companies, WHO, illicit trade