Youth use of HTP products in Germany is low, unlikely to become trend, says PMI

Philip Morris International (PMI) stated that a survey by the German Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) on youth tobacco consumption shows that heated tobacco products (HTP) hold little appeal for minors and, contrary to public warnings, are unlikely to create a new generation of smokers, according to Lebensmittel Praxis on November 5.

The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) regularly monitors tobacco and nicotine product use among minors aged 12 to 17 and young adults aged 18 to 25, surveying a total of 7,001 respondents. This data is regarded as one of the most reliable sources for this age demographic in Germany, with the 2023 survey results expected to be released in late May 2024. 

The latest findings indicate that minors show little interest in HTP products, contradicting previous public warnings. The use of traditional combustible tobacco products, such as cigarettes and hookahs, continues to decline among youth, with current usage rates at 7.4% for cigarettes and 3.9% for hookahs.

BZgA noted that overall usage levels of e-cigarettes and HTP products among minors remain low. PMI highlighted that the 30-day usage rate for refillable, reusable e-cigarettes is 3.9%, while for disposable e-cigarettes, it is 6.7%—10 to 20 times higher than that for HTP products, which stands at 0.3%.

Dr. Alexander Nussbaum, PMI’s Head of Scientific and Medical Affairs, said: "The usage rate of HTP products among teenagers remains very low, disproving speculation that these products are targeting a new generation of smokers. The data shows that HTP products are almost exclusively used by adults, effectively fulfilling the goal of youth protection while demonstrating responsible behavior by market participants."

Nussbaum suggested that the low interest in HTP products among teenagers could be attributed to limited flavor options, responsible product presentation, and effective age restrictions.

“It’s not just regulations at work; PMI’s self-selected marketing approach also plays an important role. This shows that science-based regulation and responsible marketing by manufacturers are effective, he said.  "Prevention research should carefully examine which preventive measures have failed and which have succeeded."

“Non-combustible nicotine products still present avoidable health risks. Although the law prohibits their use by individuals under 18, preventing minors from accessing these products should remain a priority. However, this focus should not overlook the needs of nearly 20 million adult smokers, many of whom have been smoking for decades and face high risks of subsequent diseases.”