Overview

Article 6 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) underscores the critical role of price and tax measures in reducing tobacco consumption and curbing the tobacco epidemic. This article recognizes that increasing the price of tobacco products through taxation is one of the most effective ways to discourage tobacco use, particularly among young people and low-income populations, who are more sensitive to price changes. It calls on countries to implement strong fiscal policies, including higher excise taxes on tobacco products, to make them less affordable and thereby reduce demand. Additionally, Article 6 encourages governments to adopt measures that restrict or prohibit the sale and import of tax-free tobacco products by international travelers, preventing loopholes that the tobacco industry and consumers might exploit to bypass taxation. By implementing these price and tax policies, countries can not only lower smoking prevalence but also generate significant revenue that can be reinvested into public health initiatives, including tobacco control programs and healthcare services. The overarching goal of Article 6 is to create a policy environment that discourages tobacco use through economic disincentives, ultimately protecting public health and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases and deaths.