Twelve counties, led by the Netherlands, are pushing the European Commission to revise tobacco legislation, warning that existing rules should include new nicotine products.
Ministers have written to Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi today to urge the Hungarian to revamp the Tobacco Products Directive, which dates back to 2014 and which the EU executive has pledged to revise as part of its Beating Cancer Plan.
They’re particularly worried that younger people are starting to use e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, which the directive doesn’t currently cover.
“Therefore, we call upon the Commission to develop, propose and implement future-proof EU legislation to reduce the attractiveness of e-cigarettes and other emerging nicotine products (like nicotine pouches), especially to young people,” the letter, seen by POLITICO, reads. These regulations should include “comprehensive restrictions” on flavors, maximum nicotine levels and plain packaging.
The ministers also raise concerns about national measures being undermined by cross-border sales, and say social media platforms should take greater responsibility for the marketing of the products.
Vincent Karremans, Minister for Youth, Prevention and Sport of the Netherlands, said in a statement: “Vaping can lead to serious addiction problems and even pulmonary hemorrhages. Despite the major health risks, 1 in 7 young people aged 12 to 16 vape monthly. So we are dealing with a very serious problem.”
The Netherlands has already banned flavored vapes, Karremans said.
The other signatories are Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovenia and Spain.