The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the governing body of the WHO FCTC and is comprised of all Parties to the Convention. The work of the COP is governed by its Rules of Procedure and keeps under regular review the implementation of the Convention and takes the decisions necessary to promote its effective implementation, and may also adopt protocols, annexes and amendments to the Convention.

The COP may establish such subsidiary bodies as are necessary to achieve the objective of the Convention, such as the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body on a Protocol on Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. The COP also may establish working groups or expert groups with the mandate to elaborate guidelines and recommendations for the implementation of different treaty provisions.