Response to WHO Criticism of E-cigarette by German Tobacco Association

Industry Insight by 2FIRSTS.ai
Dec.19.2023
Response to WHO Criticism of E-cigarette by German Tobacco Association
German Tobacco Industry and New Products Association (BVTE) responds to WHO's criticism of e-cigarettes, citing scientific evidence.

In a recent report by the German news website Nachrichten-heut, Jan Mücke, the Managing Director of the German Tobacco Industry and New Product Association (BVTE), responded to the World Health Organization's criticism of e-cigarettes. Mücke argued that the WHO's accusation that e-cigarettes are not an appropriate alternative to reduce tobacco consumption is a disregard for substantial scientific evidence and further exacerbates existing uncertainty among consumers.

 

The World Health Organization persists in erroneous health policy dogmas, disregarding the increasing amount of independent scientific evidence on e-cigarettes," explained Jan Mücke, General Manager of the German Tobacco Industry and New Products Association (BVTE), in Berlin.

 

In fact, when inhaling e-cigarettes, significantly fewer harmful substances are ingested compared to smoking.

 

He stated that the World Health Organization denies that e-cigarettes are a suitable alternative to tobacco consumption, emphasizing the health risks associated with vaping products, and accusing manufacturers of spreading false information about the benefits of e-cigarettes.

 

In Germany, using e-cigarettes has become the most popular method for quitting smoking, proving to be more effective than other methods such as medical nicotine replacement products. Institutions such as the German Cancer Research Center (dkfz) and the UK health authorities have confirmed that switching to e-cigarettes can significantly reduce harmful substances for consumers. The mention of the harm reduction potential of e-cigarettes summarizes the growing scientific consensus, dispelling misinformation from the tobacco industry.

 

In fact, the World Health Organization's exaggerated claims and misleading statements about the dangers of e-cigarettes are negligently contributing to the perpetuation of a misconception that the health risks associated with using e-cigarettes are greatly overestimated compared to smoking in Germany.

 

Muk said:

 

We need the World Health Organization to develop an evidence-based and scientifically grounded information policy, recognizing and supporting e-cigarettes as an opportunity to minimize risks for adult smokers.

 

At the same time, there is no evidence to suggest that e-cigarettes serve as a gateway to smoking. However, it is imperative to prohibit the consumption of nicotine-containing products by minors. The German Tobacco Industry and New Product Association (BVTE) is urging strict enforcement of existing bans on sales to minors and advocating for severe penalties for those who violate the restrictions.

 

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

 Zyn Emerges as MAGA Cultural Symbol Amid FDA Policy Shift
Zyn Emerges as MAGA Cultural Symbol Amid FDA Policy Shift
According to The Wall Street Journal, nicotine pouch brand Zyn has rapidly gained popularity across the Trump administration and conservative political circles, including among U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Business
May.20
Sweden Becomes First EU Country to Reach Smoke-Free Status as Daily Smoking Falls to 4.8%
Sweden Becomes First EU Country to Reach Smoke-Free Status as Daily Smoking Falls to 4.8%
According to the latest CAN report and multiple media reports, Sweden’s daily smoking rate fell to 4.8% in 2025, below the commonly used 5% smoke-free threshold, making it the first EU country to reach that benchmark.
News
Jun.05
Swedish Politicians Ask European Commission to Clarify Legality of France’s Nicotine Pouch Ban
Swedish Politicians Ask European Commission to Clarify Legality of France’s Nicotine Pouch Ban
France’s ban on oral nicotine pouches has triggered an immediate response in Sweden. Swedish Minister for Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa said Sweden had mobilized strongly against the ban and argued that it constitutes a clear obstacle to the free movement of goods within the EU single market. Swedish officials say the measure affects a strategically important domestic industry and conflicts with Sweden’s harm-reduction approach to public health.
Apr.14 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Altria Reports Q1 2026 Net Revenues of $5.43 Billion and 7.3% Growth in Adjusted Diluted EPS
Altria Reports Q1 2026 Net Revenues of $5.43 Billion and 7.3% Growth in Adjusted Diluted EPS
Altria Group reported its first-quarter 2026 results on April 30. Net revenues were $5.43 billion, up 3.2% year on year, while revenues net of excise taxes were $4.76 billion, up 5.3%. Reported diluted EPS was $1.30, up more than 100%, and adjusted diluted EPS was $1.32, up 7.3%.
May.06 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Turning Point Brands Reports Q1 2026 Net Sales of $124.3 Million as Modern Oral Net Sales Rise 133%
Turning Point Brands Reports Q1 2026 Net Sales of $124.3 Million as Modern Oral Net Sales Rise 133%
Turning Point Brands reported first-quarter 2026 results on May 7, covering the period ended March 31, 2026. Total consolidated net sales were $124.3 million, up 16.8% year on year. Gross profit was $68.3 million, up 14.6%, while net income fell 19.0% to $11.7 million. Adjusted EBITDA declined 6.5% to $25.9 million.
May.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Reuters: Big Tobacco Emerges as Winner After FDA Regulatory Shift
Reuters: Big Tobacco Emerges as Winner After FDA Regulatory Shift
According to Reuters, major tobacco companies may emerge as key beneficiaries after the U.S. FDA loosened regulations on vaping and nicotine pouch products, a shift that has sparked debate over public health risks.
Industry Insight
May.26