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

Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports
Kyrgyzstan considers six-month ban on e-cigarette and e-cigarettee-liquid imports
According to Kyrgyz media, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce has launched a public discussion on a draft decree proposing a six-month ban on the import of e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing liquids. The measure, based on Article 15-1 of the Law “On Protecting Citizens’ Health from the Consequences of Tobacco and Nicotine Use,” aims to safeguard public health and prevent youth nicotine addiction.
Nov.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
AIRSCREAM Unlocks Pan-European Nicotine Pouch Market for B2B Partners with Full-Service EU OEM Solutions
AIRSCREAM Unlocks Pan-European Nicotine Pouch Market for B2B Partners with Full-Service EU OEM Solutions
Showcased at PouchEx Stockholm, AIRSCREAM’s end-to-end OEM ecosystem demonstrates how brands can enter the fast-growing European nicotine pouch market with greater speed, confidence, and regulatory readiness.
Dec.04
Two Malaysian Men Charged Over Illegal Import of  Vape Items at Singapore Checkpoint
Two Malaysian Men Charged Over Illegal Import of Vape Items at Singapore Checkpoint
Two Malaysian men arrested for illegally importing e-cigarettes at Woodlands Checkpoint, facing charges, court hearing on December 15. (20 words)
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
U.S. Company TPB Q3 Earnings: Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge 628% YoY, First U.S. Production Line Planned
U.S. Company TPB Q3 Earnings: Nicotine Pouch Sales Surge 628% YoY, First U.S. Production Line Planned
Turning Point Brands (NYSE: TPB) released its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, reporting strong revenue and profit growth driven by surging Modern Oral (nicotine pouch) sales. The company announced plans to establish its first U.S.-based white pouch production line in 2026, marking a key step toward manufacturing localization.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT Taps McLaren Title Win for Travel Retail Activation, Launches VELO “Champions’ Edition” Nicotine Pouches
BAT Taps McLaren Title Win for Travel Retail Activation, Launches VELO “Champions’ Edition” Nicotine Pouches
British American Tobacco (BAT) is leveraging McLaren F1 Team’s 2025 Constructors’ Championship win to roll out a VELO×McLaren brand activation across the travel retail market. The campaign spans major airports in Abu Dhabi, the UK, Ireland and Spain, alongside the launch of a VELO “Champions’ Edition” product.
Dec.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
2Firsts Observations | Two Months After Launch, BAT’s VELO Shift Draws Attention for Non-Traditional Design as Some Users Call for Higher Nicotine Strength
British American Tobacco (BAT) introduced the VELO Shift nicotine pouch in September 2025, featuring a hexagonal outer can and an oval-triangle pouch shape that departs from traditional designs. Two months after launch, the product is available in the U.K., U.S. and Sweden. Social-media feedback indicates the design has been well received, while some users are calling for higher nicotine strength.
Nov.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai