Germany Passes Flavor Ban for Cigarette and Heated Tobacco

The German parliament has passed a revision to the Tobacco Products Act by an absolute majority vote. According to the amendment, heated tobacco rods' packaging must have textual and graphic warning labels. Furthermore, the flavor ban will be expanded to heated tobacco rod products.

The Federal Government's Drug Commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, calls this law an "important step for more health protection". But he notes that this can only be a start.

"Flavors and flavorings increase the appeal of the products and mask the dangers of smoking."

Blienert also calls for tighter restrictions on e-cigarettes. He notes that children are also using disposable e-cigarettes with high concentrations of nicotine, which is also related to their variety of flavors. In addition, many e-cigarettes are bright in color and very compact, easily fit into a pencil case, and are usually cheaper.

Blienert emphasizes that the advertising ban on vapor products and e-cigarettes needs to go further. Experts suggest that flavored tobacco products are often seen as a gateway to smoking.

It is noted that the flavor tobacco ban only applies to cigarettes and heated tobacco products, and e-cigarettes are not affected by this new ban.

Reference:

[1] Tabakerhitzer: Aromen-Verbot und Warnhinweise beschlossen