Germany's Federal Drug Commissioner to Crack Down on Smoking

Jun.03.2024

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.

References:

[1] Bundesdrogenbeauftragter fordert schärfere Maßnahmen gegen Tabakwerbung

Also Read:

[1] Decrease in Smoking Rates Among German Youth: Report

[2] German Ministry for Environment Urges Handling of Disposables

[3] Germany Uncovers Massive E-cigarette Smuggling Operation with over 400,000 Units

[4] German E-Cigarette Industry Association Denies Accusation of Targeting Children by WHO

[5] German Customs Seizes Illegal E-Cigs and Tobacco Products Worth over 71,000 Euros

#Europe #Disposable e-cigarettes #Regulation #Germany

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

Lawmakers Clash as Mexico Moves to Criminalize Sale and Promotion of Vapes

Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies Health Commission has approved a bill establishing a total ban on vapes and e-cigarettes, with penalties ranging from one to eight years in prison and fines between Mex$11,000 and Mex$226,000 (USD ≈$600–$12,300). The proposal sparked controversy among opposition lawmakers, who argued that the legislation criminalizes users rather than focusing on regulation and prevention.

Nov.26 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Thai Cabinet Approves NHRC Proposal to Tighten E-Cigarette Regulation

Thailand’s Cabinet approved a National Human Rights Commission proposal to tighten e-cigarette regulation. The Health Ministry was instructed to raise public awareness on vaping risks and amend the 2017 Tobacco Control Act to cover all tobacco products, including vapes and new forms, while enforcing WHO FCTC Article 5.3 to prevent industry interference.

Oct.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Bangladesh Tobacco Control Group Urges Reversal of Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory Approval

Advocates say the economic authority’s decision contradicts national health goals and violates a Supreme Court directive banning new tobacco ventures.

Oct.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai

PMI Compares Smoke-Free Policies in Three Countries: Japan and New Zealand Lead Tobacco Control, While Thailand’s Ban Stalls Harm Reduction

PMI Malaysia says Japan and New Zealand’s regulated smoke-free alternatives have hastened smoking declines, whereas Thailand’s post-2014 ban drives smokers to cigarettes or the black market—evidence, PMI argues, that pairing regulated alternatives with traditional controls could improve public health faster.