Uncertainty of Spanish Tobacco Regulations: PMI Calls for Clarity

Key points:

The tobacco regulations in Spain are uncertain, prompting PMI to call for a clear regulatory framework to distinguish between traditional cigarettes and new tobacco products.

It is more effective to strictly regulate traditional cigarettes than to ban new products. Sweden's successful case shows that promoting alternative products can effectively reduce smoking rates.

PMI aims to strengthen traditional cigarette restrictions and promote the transition to safer alternatives in order to achieve smoking reduction goals.

According to a report by The Objective on March 30th, Spain is currently facing uncertainty regarding tobacco regulations, particularly in the regulation of new consumption methods such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices.

Philip Morris International (PMI) emphasizes the need for a clear regulatory framework to distinguish between traditional cigarettes and new tobacco products. Daniel Cuevas, the CEO of PMI's Spanish branch, highlights that the health risks of non-combustible alternatives are significantly lower than those of traditional cigarettes.

Our main concern is the confusion and lack of distinction between different products. Non-combustible alternatives must be treated differently, as their harm is significantly lower than traditional cigarettes. We believe that society and adult smokers should have access to all available information without ideological biases. Research from organizations such as the US FDA and the Finnish Ministry of Health shows that non-combustible products can significantly reduce harm compared to traditional cigarettes.

However, currently the nine million smokers in Spain may continue to use traditional cigarettes if not properly guided.

Cuevas believes that any product containing nicotine should be strictly regulated, including restrictions on adult purchases, sales only in tobacco shops, clear tax policies, and advertising limitations for adult smokers. However, the current policy of the Spanish Ministry of Health is not just regulation, but instead considering a complete ban on these products. This approach is unreasonable. Instead of banning proven effective alternatives, it would be more sensible to enhance regulation of traditional cigarettes, as they are the most harmful products.

Cuevas expressed that prohibition strategies are not as effective as strict regulation. He mentioned Sweden's success, where smoking rates have dropped to below 5% and lung cancer cases have significantly decreased through the promotion of non-combustible alternatives. He firmly believes that without a rational regulatory framework, prohibiting smoke-free alternatives may isolate Spain globally.

Regarding market investments, Cuevas  stated that the current policy uncertainty has already affected the investment pace of PMI in Spain. They are committed to investing in heated tobacco products and in promising technological innovations. However, he stressed, "If there were a clear and predictable regulatory environment, we could make more investments at a faster rate.

Cuevas called for strengthening restrictions on traditional cigarettes and urged a transition to safer alternatives. He reiterated that PMI will continue to actively advocate for reducing tobacco use within the framework of regulations and promote a rational attitude towards smoke-free alternatives across society. The success in Sweden has given them confidence, but Spain will need to adjust current measures if it wants to achieve similar goals.