Article 5.3 of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) states that “in setting and implementing their public health policies with respect to tobacco control, Parties shall act to protect these policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry in accordance with national law”. In this context, Saudi Arabia’s Food and Drug Authority has adopted specific policies to regulate governmental official communications with the tobacco industry, including tobacco manufacturers, wholesale distributors and importers of tobacco products.

The policies, that put in practice the recommendations of the Guidelines for implementation of Article 5.3 of the Convention, has been distributed to all stakeholders within Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, this regulation also follows the recommendations of the Guidelines for implementation of Article 13, indicating that "Tobacco industry shall not be allowed to pursue any activity under the theme of “social corporate responsibility”", protecting the country and its population from tobacco industry advertising, promotion and sponsorship tactics.

For more information on this policy, please contact Saudi Arabia’s WHO FCTC focal point, Luluwah Mohamed Alghamdi, International Relations Coordinator (lmghamdi@moh.gov.sa).