WHO MOP4 Focuses on Justice and Prosecution to Combat Illicit Tobacco Trade

Key Points

• 60 countries attended MOP4 under the theme “Justice and Prosecution: Strengthening Legal Action to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.”
• Illicit tobacco represents roughly 11% of the global market, costing governments around US$47.4 billion annually.
• INTERPOL and prosecutors from Gabon and Latvia addressed real-world enforcement challenges.
• WHO released a global implementation progress report on the Protocol.
• Discussions cover international cooperation, financial resource mobilization, licensing, and supply chain control.

2Firsts, November 25, 2025 — According to WHO,the Fourth Meeting of the Parties (MOP4) to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products began in Geneva, Switzerland, on November 24, bringing together 60 Parties to strengthen the fight against the illicit tobacco trade.

The Protocol, the first treaty adopted under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), aims to eliminate all forms of illicit trade in tobacco products through coordinated national measures and international cooperation. The theme of this year’s MOP4 is “Justice and Prosecution: Strengthening Legal Action to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products.”

WHO estimates that illicit trade accounts for about 11% of the global tobacco market, costing governments an estimated US$47.4 billion annually in lost revenue.

“The illicit trade in tobacco products globally undermines public health, fuels organized crime and deprives governments of vital revenue,” said Andrew Black, Acting Head of the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC. “The MOP plays a critical role in strengthening international cooperation, promoting transparency and ensuring that Parties have the tools and support needed to meet their obligations under the Protocol.”

The first day of MOP4 featured a high-level session with speakers from INTERPOL and prosecutors from Gabon and Latvia, who shared insights on real-world cases of illicit tobacco trade. A global progress report on the implementation of the Protocol, based on data submitted by participating Parties, was also launched.

Throughout the conference, delegates will discuss strategies to enhance international collaboration, improve resource mobilization, strengthen licensing frameworks, and implement measures to tighten control over the tobacco supply chain.

The meeting, held at WHO headquarters in Geneva from November 24 to 26, serves as the governing body of the Protocol and underscores the growing international commitment to eradicate the illicit tobacco trade.

Image source: World Health Organization (WHO)