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

Mexico’s Congress Prepares Total Ban on Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Congress Prepares Total Ban on Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies is preparing to vote on several major bills before the end of the legislative session, including a full ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. The proposed reform to the General Health Law would prohibit the manufacturing, sale, import, and export of these products, imposing penalties of up to eight years in prison and fines exceeding 200,000 pesos (approximately USD 11,000). L
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool
UK government letter agrees nicotine pouches are lower risk than smoking and a harm reduction tool
In correspondence with 20isPlenty campaigners, the government agreed nicotine pouches are likely to pose lower health risks than smoking and confirmed they are a harm reduction tool, while warning about their high nicotine content, fast absorption and potential to be flavoured.
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexican Congress Postpones Debate on Vape and E-Cigarette Ban
Mexican Congress Postpones Debate on Vape and E-Cigarette Ban
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has postponed the debate on a reform to the General Health Law that seeks to completely ban the sale and distribution of electronic cigarettes and vapes. Lawmaker Amancay González Franco (MC) criticized the draft for excluding tobacco heating devices, such as Philip Morris’s IQOS, arguing that these products are even more harmful according to the World Health Organization.
Dec.05 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s MOH aims to implement a vape ban in 2026, starting with open pod systems
Malaysia’s MOH aims to implement a vape ban in 2026, starting with open pod systems
Bernama (Malaysia’s national news agency) reported that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the Ministry of Health aims to implement a vape ban this year, beginning with open pod systems, and will not compromise on enforcing the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852).
Jan.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
NASCAR adds nicotine pouch sponsor Grizzly as official partner; zone renews RCR deal for 2026
NASCAR adds nicotine pouch sponsor Grizzly as official partner; zone renews RCR deal for 2026
NASCAR Holdings has struck a partnership with Grizzly, a nicotine pouch brand under Reynolds American, making it an official sponsor across NASCAR and its track portfolio, with financial terms undisclosed. Separately, zone, a nicotine pouch brand owned by Imperial Brands’ U.S. subsidiary ITG Brands, renewed its relationship with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and will continue sponsoring Kyle Busch’s No. 8 car during the 2026 season.
Jan.26
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Survey Shows E-cigarette Use Doubles Among Young Thais
Thailand’s latest national health survey shows a sharp increase in e-cigarette use among people under 30, particularly among female adolescents. Researchers found that vaping has not reduced overall tobacco harm and has instead driven growth in new nicotine users, with younger ages of initiation. Public health experts urged sustained enforcement and comprehensive policies centred on banning e-cigarettes, strengthening law enforcement and expanding public awareness to protect children and youth.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai