JTI: Government Support is Crucial for Tobacco Harm Reduction

Recently, Japan Tobacco International (JTI) comments regarding the issue of harm reduction in tobacco in response to the topic panel of THR held at InterTabac, Dortmund.

JTI emphasized its strong support for the concept of reducing the harm caused by tobacco. JTI believes that in order to achieve harm reduction, it is necessary to allow potential reduced-risk products to be introduced into the market and ensure that informed adult smokers have the right to choose whether to use these products. Furthermore, JTI pointed out the crucial role that government support plays in advancing the cause of tobacco harm reduction. This viewpoint holds a prominent position in the ongoing discussions surrounding harm reduction in the tobacco industry.

Tobacco Harm Reduction is Safer than Traditional Cigarettes

The concept of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) has gained increasing attention from international tobacco companies in recent years. Philip Morris International (PMI) has stated that with appropriate regulation and support from civil society to reduce tobacco harm, many countries could end cigarette sales within 10 to 15 years. British American Tobacco (BAT) has published an article encouraging smokers to transition completely to scientifically proven, risk-reduced alternative products.

The intention behind harm reduction in tobacco is to minimize the detrimental effects of tobacco products on human health. Traditional cigarettes, when burned, emit harmful smoke that contains various carcinogens and toxic chemicals.

JTI, a leading tobacco company, states that the core concept of THR (Tobacco Harm Reduction) is to provide alternative products with low-risk potential in order to minimize the health risks associated with smoking. Some examples of potential lower-risk products include e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

JTI has expressed that harm reduction in tobacco is necessary in order to bring potential lower-risk products to the market and ensure informed adult smokers can choose whether or not to use these products. Therefore, JTI has been dedicated to developing, testing, and launching new products with the potential to reduce smoking-related health risks, allowing adult consumers to make informed choices based on their individual needs and preferences.

Scientific Research Plays a Crucial Role

JTI emphasized the importance of scientific research, stating that it plays a crucial role in tobacco harm reduction. It helps evaluate the toxicological characteristics of new tobacco and nicotine products by examining emissions of toxicants and toxicological activity compared to combustible cigarettes.

Furthermore, scientific research has addressed significant questions regarding the acceptance of products, including e-cigarettes and other tobacco products, as well as consumer satisfaction. This research has provided crucial information for further product development.

JTI has conducted research and demonstrated that their nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products have reduced toxicological activity compared to combustible cigarettes.

JTI believes that new types of tobacco or nicotine products have the potential to lead to a significant reduction in exposure to harmful substances.

JTI also acknowledges that harm reduction in tobacco faces several key challenges, one of which is the restrictions imposed by regulations. In order to support harm reduction, the regulatory environment should be designed to be more accommodating, applicable to various risk-reducing products (RRP), and provide accurate and balanced information, enabling interested adult smokers to make informed choices.

Government Support Is Pivotal

JTI also addressed the important role of government and industry in harm reduction in tobacco. They believe government support is crucial. "The government should establish regulations, provide a fair opportunity for RRP, and ensure consumers can make choices based on their own needs. Only in a market where RRP is available, smokers have the chance to independently choose products based on their harm level.

"JTI addresses the topic by stating that some governments completely ban RRP, impose excessive market regulations, restrict nicotine levels, enforce flavor bans, implement ingredient restrictions, or treat RRP devices as consumer products."

JTI believes that different industries should collaborate to collectively advance the development of THR (Tobacco Harm Reduction). This includes continuous innovation, transparent information dissemination, and cooperation with regulatory bodies. It is crucial that all industry participants prioritize consumer safety and freedom of choice, respect science and evidence, maintain transparency, and be willing to accept feedback and make improvements.

"The realization of THR requires collaboration from all parties involved, including governments, industries, scientists, and the public. Through joint efforts, we can provide safer alternatives for adult smokers and minimize the health risks associated with smoking."

On September 15th, 2FIRSTS moderated a panel discussion named "The Next Phase in Tobacco Harm Reduction -- Insights from industry and experts" and raised a few questions for the industry to think over. Francesco Gaglioppa, EU director of External Affairs, JTI made a comment on the Q&A session of the panel. The video clip is shown at the top of the article.