Response to the consultation on ‘Tobacco products and tobacco advertising – revision of EU rules’

The EU intends to update its tobacco control rules in response to the latest market developments, consumption trends and digital marketing practices. EuroHealthNet responded to a call for evidence about this issue, outlining its support for an ambitious revision of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and the Tobacco Advertising Directive (TAD), with health protection and health equity placed at the centre. The tobacco-free generation goal by 2040, set out in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, cannot be achieved while novel products continue to act as entry points into nicotine addiction.

EuroHealthNet urges the Commission to ensure that the revision:

• Keeps the Directive adaptable and future-proof by covering all novel tobacco, nicotine, nicotine-like, and related products within a coherent regulatory framework.
• Strengthens online regulation of marketing, advertising, and promotion targeting or reaching children and young people.
• Addresses the environmental harms associated with disposable e-cigarettes and single-use filters.
• Includes stronger governance safeguards to protect policymaking from tobacco industry interference at both the EU and national levels.