Input on TPD and TAD to the European Commission

Nicotine poses a particularly serious threat to public health. Tobacco is the leading cause of non-communicable diseases worldwide, and by far the leading cause of preventable death.

Nicotine is a highly addictive drug and very potent neurotoxin. It also affects mental functions, especially during development until age 25. It also increases the risk of addiction to other strong drugs, narcotics and alcohol. Protecting children and young people must remain the central objective of the revision.

Despite that, tobacco- and nicotine products are produced, manufactured and sold in a wide array of forms and marketed with thousands of enticing flavors and colorful packaging.

Deliberately targeting children and youth around the world, promoting a lifelong nicotine addiction.

There is no evidence to suggest that smokers should be offered alternative nicotine products that do not involve smoking to quit. On the contrary, research indicates that the risk of starting to smoke or becoming a dual user of e-cigarettes and snus increases with their use.

The need for stricter rules

• It is necessary to not only focus on tobacco product but also include all forms of nicotine products in the regulations.

• Ban flavourings in all tobacco and nicotine products, insert standardised packaging and mandatory health warnings.

• Include flexible regulatory framework to stop future products before they are exploited

• Strengthen rules on advertising and marketing, especially digital sales, including influencers promotion. Reduce access to the products

• Include protective areas, as tobacco- and nicotine-free school hours

• Active pricing policy

• Methods and tools to support people in quitting tobacco and nicotine to be made more accessible

• Tighten public health policy from tobacco industry interference is essential

Individual Member States should be advised to adopt stricter regulations than those adopted by the EU. This is to support and set a clear course toward the goal of a tobacco endgame.

Stockholm/Sweden 260611