EU looks at ‘stronger’ rules

The EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety has indicated that he is exploring the possibility of introducing ‘stronger’ regulations in respect of vapor products, according to a EurActiv.com story relayed by the TMA.

Vytenis Andriukaitis was quoted as saying that he saw the possibility of encouraging “our agents to look into electronic cigarettes, and how to go in the direction of stronger regulation…”.

‘Stronger’ regulation here seems to equate with more restrictive regulation; so, for instance, stopping advertising and online sales of all vapor products.

Andriukaitis pointed out that the tobacco industry was developing new electronic devices, including heat-not-burn devices, that were not covered by existing EU directives.

He said tobacco companies were “already feeling the pressure” from the implementation of the EU’s revised Tobacco Products Directive and were allegedly exploring ways to bypass it and mislead consumers.

Many market “deviations” had been noticed, he added.