Executive Summary

Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death and disability as well as social health inequalities in the Nordic countries.

As stated by the World Health Assembly resolution WHA54.18 on transparency in tobacco control process, the tobacco industry has operated for decades with the intention of subverting the role of governments in developing and implementing public health policies to combat the tobacco epidemic.

The Nordic countries are Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke.

FCTC Article 5.3 requires public officials to protect public health policies in relation to tobacco control «from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry».

This Guide has been adopted by the health ministers of Denmark, Iceland and Norway.1 The ministries of health agree that the obligations under Article 5.3 should extend to new and emerging products, such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products, due to the increasing integration between their manufacturers and the tobacco industry.

This Guide outlines the legal obligations placed on public agencies and officials by the FCTC and is meant to complement the global FCTC Article 5.3 Guidelines, with concrete examples and advice specifically suited to the circumstances in the Nordic countries. It should be viewed as a part of a comprehensive strategy of tobacco control.

The Ministry of Health in each country can be contacted if you have any questions or doubts about whether this Guide applies to you or a specific situation.