JTI calls for clarity on TPD provisions

While criticizing strongly some of the provisions contained in the EU’s new Tobacco Products Directive, Japan Tobacco International has appealed for clarity so that tobacco industry businesses can comply with the complex and costly changes that have to be made in the short timeframe allowed.

“These regulations are wide-ranging and restrict the way products are made, packaged and sold,” said Ben Townsend, head of JTI’s EU Affairs Office.

“They will have a huge impact on millions of legitimate businesses across the EU, from farmers to packaging manufacturers, and tobacco producers to retailers. “Given the very short timelines and costly changes required, clarity must now be given on the multiple measures contained in the TPD and subsequent implementation and delegated acts.”

“Make no mistake: These regulations will not achieve the public health benefits that law-makers have claimed.

“Legitimate businesses will suffer as excessive packaging requirements and banning entire product categories will benefit international criminal networks who will fill this supply gap.”

Directive 2014/40/EU of April 3, 2014, on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the member states concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products, was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on April 29. It repeals Directive 2001/37/EC.

The new directive is due to enter into force on May 20, and member states are required to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the directive by May 20, 2016. However, member states may allow tobacco products, which are not in compliance with the new directive but which are manufactured in accordance with the previous directive and distributed before May 20, 2016, to be placed on the market until May 20, 2017.

The directive is at http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2014:127:TOC.