Learning Objectives: Describe how international trade agreements can threaten effective tobacco control measures, in the United States and other industrialized countries, as well as in developing countries. Identify policy changes -- adoptable by states, the U.S. government and in international agreements -- to ensure that protecting the public health through tobacco control policies takes priority over the trade and commercial interests. Assess the importance of an international Framework Convention for Tobacco Control to meet U.S. tobacco control objectives, specifically as regards potential conflicts between tobacco control and trade policies.
Abstract: Philip Morris, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco are increasingly using trade agreements to threaten sound tobacco control policies. In a recent comment on Canada's proposal to ban the use of the terms "light" and "mild" from cigarette packaging, for example, Philip Morris argued that the regulations would violate numerous obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement and the World Trade Organization agreements.
This panel is designed for a savvy tobacco control audience that may not be very familiar with international trade rules, let alone how they may threaten local, state and national tobacco control measures. It should be of interest to those who focus on policy issues, in any jurisdiction.
Key points of the panel will include:
* The central principles and provisions of international trade agreements, and how international trade rules are enforced.
* Conflicts between international trade rules and sound tobacco control policies, including potential conflicts on: excise taxes, advertising restrictions, labeling requirements, ingredient disclosure rules, product regulation, smokefree ordinances, and bans on the use of misleading terms such as "light" and "mild."
* How advocates have influenced U.S. trade policy, to make it more compatible with tobacco control.
* Policy options to defuse the conflict between trade rules and tobacco control, and how they can be achieved.
The panel and discussion is designed to make foreign concepts simple, and to empower advocates to take steps to ensure that, when it comes to tobacco and trade, public health receives priority over commercial interests.
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