Germany's Federal Drug Commissioner to Crack Down on Smoking

Jun.03.2024
Germany's Federal Drug Commissioner to Crack Down on Smoking
Germany's federal drug commissioner, Burkhard Blienert, vows to crack down on smoking advertising to combat tobacco-related deaths and economic losses.

According to Finanz Nachrichten on May 30th, Burkhard Blienert, the Federal Drug Commissioner of Germany, recently stated that efforts to combat smoking issues will continue. Blienert emphasized that advertising is one of the primary factors that contribute to people continuing to smoke, and therefore unrestricted advertising of tobacco and e-cigarettes must be restricted.


He said that despite seeing fewer and fewer young people smoking, Germany still faces significant challenges. It is known that tobacco and nicotine consumption in Germany leads to an annual death toll of as high as 127,000, causing economic losses as high as 100 billion euros.


The commissioner advocates for studying the serious discussions on smoking issues in other countries. He listed some effective policies, such as a total ban on advertising, withdrawing sponsorship from tobacco companies, strengthening smoking cessation support, increasing tobacco taxes, and providing stricter protection for non-smokers, especially children exposed to secondhand smoke.


Blinnett publicly stated his opposition to disposable e-cigarettes, recommending an immediate nationwide ban on these products rather than waiting for potential future regulations in Europe.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

PMI says it submitted evidence to FDA panel backing ZYN bid for modified-risk status
PMI says it submitted evidence to FDA panel backing ZYN bid for modified-risk status
Philip Morris International said it presented scientific evidence to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee to support its ZYN nicotine pouches seeking a modified risk tobacco product designation, which would allow the company to communicate to adult smokers that switching completely to ZYN could reduce the risk of multiple smoking-related diseases.
Jan.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Japan rolls out limited-edition “Rose Quartz” colourway for glo Hilo, launches new virto click-capsule flavour
BAT Japan rolls out limited-edition “Rose Quartz” colourway for glo Hilo, launches new virto click-capsule flavour
British American Tobacco (BAT) Japan will introduce its first Valentine’s-season limited-edition colourway, “Rose Quartz,” for the glo Hilo heated tobacco device lineup, covering both the glo Hilo and glo Hilo Plus. The devices are priced at JPY 3,980 (about $25.2) and JPY 6,980 (about $44.1), respectively, and will go on sale via official channels from Feb. 9. BAT Japan will also launch a new glo Hilo-compatible virto tobacco stick variant, “virto Bright Cherry Click,” on Feb. 2.
Jan.20 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police Seize Over 6,000 E-Cigarettes in Vaasa Raid, Probe Cross-Border Supply
Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police Seize Over 6,000 E-Cigarettes in Vaasa Raid, Probe Cross-Border Supply
According to a statement from Finland’s Ostrobothnia Police, officers seized more than 6,000 e-cigarettes during a home search in the Haapaniemi area of Vaasa in early January, after the case surfaced in connection with drug enforcement work.Police suspect the products were ordered from abroad for resale in Finland and were marketed and sold via Telegram.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Outlines 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry
2Firsts Outlines 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry
As regulation tightens and innovation matures, competition in the new tobacco industry is shifting. In its 2026 Global Product Trends in the New Tobacco Industry report, 2Firsts examines how heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, and vape products are moving beyond feature-driven upgrades toward system-level design, where experience management, compliance structure, and engineering capability increasingly shape long-term competition.
Jan.13 by 2Firsts Perspectives
British Columbia Sues Juul Over Youth Nicotine Addiction
British Columbia Sues Juul Over Youth Nicotine Addiction
British Columbia has filed a civil lawsuit against Juul Labs, alleging the company fuelled youth nicotine addiction through highly addictive products and deceptive marketing practices. The claim was submitted to the B.C. Supreme Court under the newly enacted Vaping Product Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers call for tougher action as illegal vape black market “deepens,” SGF says
Scottish retailers, through the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), are calling for tougher action and more investment to tackle a “deepening black market” in illegal vapes, including illegal sales to children. SGF warns the problem will worsen, with negative health impacts, if incoming regulations on vaping product sales are not carefully crafted and if shopkeepers’ views are not heard.
Jan.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai