Spain's Health Ministry Proposes Labeling and Sales Rules for Nicotine Pouches

Nov.22.2024

The Spanish Ministry of Health has announced a draft of the new Royal Decree, which includes implementing plain packaging for tobacco products, restricting the use of nicotine pouches and vapes, and limiting the addition of flavorings in tobacco products.

According to El Espanol on November 21st, the Spanish Ministry of Health has released a new draft Royal Decree aimed at updating regulations on tobacco and related products. The draft includes measures such as standardized packaging for tobacco products, restrictions on nicotine pouches, specific regulations for nicotine-free e-cigarettes, and limitations on the use of additives in all tobacco products.

The Ministry of Health indicated that this measure is part of the "2024-2027 Comprehensive Smoking Prevention and Control Plan", focusing on product content, quality and safety standards, as well as packaging requirements.

Minister of Health Monica Garcia emphasized that: "One of the most prominent things brought by the Royal Decree is plain packaging, which will make all cigarette packs look the same. This is not a spur-of-the-moment decision, as there is ample scientific evidence showing that additional branding inside the cigarette packs can also be harmful."

The draft bill has made a series of amendments to the existing Royal Decree No. 579/2017. These amendments require that both cigarettes and loose tobacco must use standardized packaging, removing design elements and colors that may attract consumers. For nicotine-free e-cigarettes, it is stipulated that ingredients, health warnings (such as "consumption of this product is harmful to health"), and relevant instructions for use and storage must be clearly labelled.

At the same time, the draft restricts the use of flavorings in e-cigarettes, only allowing tobacco flavor to be used. Additionally, two new product categories are introduced: nicotine pouches and heated herbal products, with safety, labeling, and sales requirements set for them.

According to transitional arrangements, manufacturers have ten months to adapt to new labeling, packaging, and production standards, while businesses have twelve months to sell existing inventory.

On the other hand, the minister stated that they are continuing to make progress in expanding smoke-free areas.

References:

[1] Sanidad saca a audiencia pública el real decreto que regulará los vapers y las bolsas de nicotina

Also Read:

[1] Spain targets e-cigarettes and smoke-free spaces in tobacco law amendment

[2] Proposed Ban on Disposable E-Cigarettes and Flavors in Spain

[3] The Rise of Water Pipes and E-cigarettes Among Spanish Youth

[4] The Hidden Dangers of E-Cigarettes: A Health Warning

[5] Spanish Canary Islands Government to Increase Tax on E-cigarettes

[6] Public consultation on stricter tobacco control measures in Spain

#Europe #Legislation #Open system e-cigarettes #Spain

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