Slim cigarettes possible victim of tobacco products directive revisions

Proposed revisions for the EU’s tobacco products directive will include a prohibition on slim cigarettes, a requirement for graphic health warnings, a ban on ‘taste-enhancing’ additives and a ban on descriptors such as ‘light’, according to a story in the German newspaper, Bild.

The story was said to be based on a draft document obtained from the EU’s executive.

The information contained in the draft indicated that cigarettes would have to have a minimum diameter of 7.5 mm.

It indicated that the ban on additives would be likely to encompass menthol.

And it indicated that graphic warnings would take up three-quarters of the front and back of cigarette packs.

The European Commission’s proposed revisions to the tobacco products directive are due out on Wednesday.