Netherlands Implements Neutral Packaging for Tobacco and E-cigarettes

Jun.11.2024
Netherlands Implements Neutral Packaging for Tobacco and E-cigarettes
Netherlands requires standardized packaging for cigarettes and e-cigarettes to reduce appeal and combat smoking among youth.

According to a recent press release from the Dutch government, since 2020, the Netherlands has required cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco to use plain packaging. Based on a proposal from State Secretary for Health, Welfare, and Sport Van Ooijen, the government cabinet believes this measure should also apply to e-cigarettes and cigars.


The Dutch government has expressed concern about the increasing popularity of e-cigarettes and cigars among young people, stating that attractive packaging plays a role in influencing adolescents to start and continue smoking.


For specific stores exempt from the ban, the appeal of packaging is particularly important. There, e-cigarettes and cigars can be displayed in attractive packaging within the customers' line of sight, so standardizing the packaging requirements for e-cigarettes and cigars will greatly limit the appeal of these products and their packaging.


The mandatory implementation of neutral packaging for e-cigarettes and cigars aligns with the agreement reached in the previous National Prevention Accord and also contributes to the goal of achieving a smoke-free generation by 2040. This will require measures such as ensuring that by 2040, youth smoking rates are reduced to zero and adult smoking rates do not exceed 5%.


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