2. Has your agency established clear policies to implement Article 5.3? Does it have a policy?
To impose transparency and accountability measures on the tobacco industry and to ensure accuracy of information received from it?
Not to solicit and to reject any type of contribution, including policy drafts, legal advice, financial aid, or donations in kind, from tobacco companies and those representing their interests?
To reject any partnership with or to remove the perception of partnership with the tobacco industry and those representing its interests?
To refuse giving preferential treatment, privileges, awards, benefits, exemptions, etc. to the tobacco industry?
To raise awareness about the nature of tobacco products, tobacco industry interference, or about the true purpose of the so-called CSR activities of the tobacco industry?
The questions below can help identify steps in implementing WHO FCTC Article 5.3 obligations. Answers in the negative may require further action.
What can your agency do in terms of implementing its Article 5.3 obligations?
Defining the Scope. Has your agency identified the specific individuals, firms, or entities including government agencies that can be considered as representing the interests of the tobacco industry? Has this been disseminated throughout the agency? Incorporating Policies. Has your agency’s human resource processes (e.g., recruitment, promotion, and performance management, etc.) adopted policies related to avoiding conflicts of interests with the tobacco industry?
Raising Awareness. Does your agency ensure that the rationale behind tobacco industry interference is communicated to the staff regularly? How does your agency monitor whether the communication has been received, understood, and accepted? Does your agency brief new staff at all levels to address the importance of protecting public health policies from tobacco industry interests? Are these values incorporated into other training programmes?
Monitoring. How does your agency monitor, collect, and exchange information related to tobacco industry interference? Is there a coordinating and monitoring body, with a corresponding budget, that is in charge of implementing and enforcing the said policies and codes of conduct?
Using Enforcement Mechanisms. How does your agency enforce any violation of the policies related to tobacco industry interference? Is there a well-disseminated enforcement mechanism for codes of conduct and related policies that specify clear and proportionate sanctions in case of violations? Are there policies covering simple complaint and investigation procedure, whistle-blower provisions, and monitoring and reporting incentives?
Networking. Does your agency work with other government bodies or agencies and NGOs not affiliated with the tobacco industry to ensure implementation of Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC?
Securing Information. Has your agency identified tobacco industry information that needs to be disclosed publicly? Have there been measures to ensure that this information is available to those working on tobacco control