ATF Hosting the International Conference on Illicit Tobacco Trade (ICITT)

By Dave Royalty (202)927-8200

Washington, DC - Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Director will host the International Conference on Illicit Tobacco Trade (ICITT) from July 30 through August 1, 2002, at the United Nations in New York. The ICITT is not a treaty negotiation. However, the ICITT will bring together representatives from the law enforcement and revenue offices of up to 191 Member States of the World Health Organization to discuss and identify best practices to address illicit tobacco trade around the globe. During the three-day conference, the attendees will participate in panel discussions and working groups to identify best practices concerning tobacco licensing, record keeping, border patrols, contraband, and counterfeit cigarettes, and cigarette labeling, tracking, and tracing. The ICITT stems from the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, May 1999 resolution of the World Health Assembly, governing body of the World Health Organization, which paved the way for multilateral negotiations to begin on a set of rules and regulations that will govern the global rise and spread of tobacco products in the 21st century. ATF is Part of the U.S. delegation to the FCTC. The FCTC will reconvene in October 2002, when it will consider, among other things, the suggestions for best practices coming out of the ICITT. Additionally, as agreed between the United States of America and the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, industry and others will be provided access to the conference through the public gallery and in accordance with the security arrangements determined by the United Nations. Additionally, limited spaces are available for non-governmental organizations, industry and others to display materials (Requests for attendance and displays can be sent to ICITT@atf.treas.gov). Along side the Director's press release, ATF's web site has been updated reflecting information regarding the ICITT at http://www.atf.gov/tobacco/icitt/index.htm.

Questions or suggestions relating to the Alcohol & Tobacco Newsletter should be directed to the Editor by fax at (202) 927-5611 or by mail at the following address: Bureau of ATF, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Room 8110, Attention: Joette Brown, Editor, Alcohol & Tobacco Newsletter, Washington, D.C. 20226.