State of the Code

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World Health Assembly Resolution 63.23 [2010] called on Member States to develop or strengthen legislative, regulatory or other effective measures to control the marketing of breastmilk substitutes in order to give effect to the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes  and relevant subsequent World Health Assembly Resolutions. This call was reiterated in WHA 65.60 [2012].

 

The 2010 resolution also called on manufacturers and distributors to comply fully with their responsibilities under the Code and resolutions.

In keeping with these recommendations, ICDC reserves this web-page to keep breastfeeding advocates and Code supporters informed of efforts made by countries to give effect to the Code and resolutions for the protection of infant and young child health.

 

We highlight below the status of the Code in countries that have taken recent action to implement the Code. To keep this page up-to-date, we welcome input and comments from our visitors. We also welcome enquiries from governments and public interest groups.

Country Status of the Code Update
Bangladesh Bangladesh Law A new set of rules filled gaps in 2013 Law which allows country to be upgraded. Adopted 6 August 2017
Bahrain Bahrain Law A ministerial resolution reinforces existing Emiri Decree dating from 1995  and provided enforcement powers.  Gazetted 15 March 2018
Brunei Brunei Some provisions in guidelines A code of conduct with wide scope and comprehensive provisions applies to the health care system. Adopted 31 January 2019.
Chile Chile Few provisions law  A 2015 advertising law prohibits any advertising for formula products for children under 1 year of age.  A 2017 Law modified a 1996 food regulation to reflect the above ban and to prohibit samples, gifts and promotion in retail outlets.
Mongolia Mongolia Many provisions law A stronger law replaced an earlier one from 2005 but gaps remain. Adopted July 2017
Thailand Thailand Many provisions law

Thai Law has wide scope but many aspects of information & education and labelling are missing. Adopted 4 April 2017
hong kong Hong Kong Voluntary Code Comprehensive coverage but without force of law. Adopted 13 June 2017
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Prior to period under review above, Armenia and Kuwait took the leap forward to implement the Code as enforceable laws in August and November 2014. Both laws are comprehensive and Kuwait and Armenia will be upgraded to Category 1 (Law) on the IBFAN scale. In Latin America, Bolivia introduced regulations in August 2014 which strengthen the existing law, justifying the country to be upgraded to category 1.

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In first half of 2015, Iraq and Jordan adopted laws that give effect to the International Code. Assessment of the translation of both laws reveal that the laws are incomplete and contain weaknesses. Both countries are provisionally placed in Category 3 (Few Provisions Law) on the IBFAN scale.

In the 2nd half of 2015, Kosovo adopted the Law on Protection of Breastfeeding that gives effect to the Code quite effectively. The law is a useful precedent for non EU countries in Europe. Kosovo will be the 40th country to have implemented all or nearly all provisions of the Code as law.