With the signatures of Ecuador and the Republic of Congo, 100 countries and the European Community have as of this week signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO release, March 25).

The convention, unanimously adopted by the 192 World Health Organization members in May, requires countries to ban tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion, set new labeling and clean indoor air controls standards, and strengthen tobacco smuggling legislation (U.N. release, March 25).

Nine countries have ratified the convention so far. It will enter into force and become legally binding 90 days after the 40th ratification or equivalent instrument. Countries failing to sign the document before the June 29 end of the signature period can join later through accession (WHO release).
http://www.who.int/tobacco/areas/framework/final_text/en/