Geneva, Nov 27 (NationPress) The fourth session of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products has wrapped up with a series of resolutions focused on improving international collaboration and tightening regulations against the illicit tobacco trade.

After three days of deliberations in Geneva, representatives from 60 Parties have committed to ramping up information exchange and strengthening coordination efforts to combat illicit trade.

Among the significant outcomes of the session is a decision that directs the Convention Secretariat, the World Customs Organization, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to gather and assess current data on tobacco product seizures to inform future initiatives, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

Additionally, two working groups were formed: the first aims to promote evidence-based research and experience sharing, while the second focuses on identifying best practices and generating a report to bolster cooperation on investigations and legal actions. Another resolution encourages Parties to enhance the monitoring and collection of licensing fees.

Independent analyses estimate that illicit trade constitutes approximately 11 percent of the worldwide tobacco market and results in billions of dollars in lost tax revenue for governments.

"The illicit trade in tobacco products is a serious crime that impacts everyone. It deprives governments of essential funds, jeopardizes public health, and undermines sustainable development. It also fosters corruption, money laundering, and organized crime. We must ensure that those who benefit from this illicit trade face justice," said Andrew Black, acting head of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Secretariat.

The meeting also revealed that Vanuatu has officially joined the Protocol, marking its status as the 71st Party.

The Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products serves as an international treaty under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.