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The Federal Council recommends ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)

The Federal Council has announced today that it supports the adoption of the parliamentary motion calling for Switzerland to finally ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The motion, submitted by National Councillor Laurence Fehlmann Rielle, highlights that the new Tobacco Products Act (LPTab), which entered into force on 1 October 2024, now provides a sufficient legal basis for Switzerland to join this international treaty. On this basis, the Federal Council has issued a favourable recommendation for the adoption of the motion, thereby opening the way to the ratification of the FCTC.

This development comes in a context of strong support from civil society. In November, AT Switzerland and more than 100 public health experts addressed an open letter to the Federal Council, calling for an end to the 20-year stalemate and urging Switzerland to finally join the 183 Parties to the FCTC.

Ratification would strengthen Switzerland’s international credibility in public health and multilateral diplomacy, particularly as the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the FCTC has just concluded in Geneva.

AT Switzerland welcomes this recommendation, which represents a decisive step towards better protecting public health and aligning Switzerland with international standards in tobacco control. The final decision now lies with Parliament.

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AT Schweiz

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