The Smoke Free Partnership (SFP)  is participating in the Second Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-2) to advocate for a ban on cigarette filters.

Summary: Measures to address plastics, especially single-use plastics, should align with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Cigarette filters are plastic fibres that have been linked to a more aggressive form of cancer. The filter is a design feature that, if removed, could reduce consumer appeal.

The Smoke Free Partnership (SFP)  is participating in the Second Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-2) to advocate for a ban on cigarette filters.

Summary: Measures to address plastics, especially single-use plastics, should align with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Cigarette filters are plastic fibres that have been linked to a more aggressive form of cancer. The filter is a design feature that, if removed, could reduce consumer appeal. Cigarette filters are an ubiquitous, toxic, single-use plastics that should be banned, and tobacco companies should be held to account for harm caused. Many NGOs and the WHO have already called for a ban on cigarette filters. Measures short of a ban could inadvertently promote the tobacco industry and its products. In accordance with treaty obligations, country practices and UN principles, the tobacco industry must be subject to exclusionary rules  and can’t be considered a regular stakeholders in plastics policy development.