Austria to Ban Flavors in Heated Tobacco Products; E-Cigarettes Unaffected for Now

Key Highlights:

·Flavor ban: Heating tobacco products are prohibited from adding flavors, but e-cigarettes are not affected. 

·Tightening labels: All "smoking tobacco products" must have mandatory health warnings, with a transition period until May 31, 2026. 

·Political controversy: The Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the Green Party believe the ban lacks strength, with the Green Party proposing smoking bans in playgrounds and the ban of disposable e-cigarettes, but it did not pass. 

·Follow-up measures: Health officials promise further protection for non-smokers, with a final decision to be announced in the autumn.

【2Firsts news flash】According to a report by 5Min.at on July 10th, Austria has banned the addition of flavors to heated tobacco products, a regulation that has been unanimously approved by the national committee. However, e-cigarettes are not affected by this regulation.

With the revision of the Tobacco and Non-Smokers Protection Act, Austria is implementing a directive from the European Union. Labeling regulations are also being tightened. If a product is a "smoking tobacco product," warning requirements will no longer have any exceptions. Products already manufactured or on the market can still be sold until May 31, 2026 at the latest.

The amendment received a wide majority vote in the National Council. In addition to the ruling parties, the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP), the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ), and the New Nicotine Party (NEOS), opposition parties also voted in favor.

However, both the Freedom Party (FPÖ) and the Green Party believe that the ban is not strict enough and advocate for including other nicotine products in the regulation. However, the Freedom Party emphasizes that they do not want to "attack smokers" like other factions do.

The Green Party has also called for smoking to be banned in playgrounds and for the use of disposable e-cigarettes to be prohibited, but the corresponding motion failed to obtain a majority vote. Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig, State Secretary for Health Affairs (Social Democratic Party), has promised to take further measures to protect non-smokers.

She said that the implementation of the EU directive is mandatory, and the final decision will be announced in the autumn.