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Tag: nicotine control

  • Eight EU Countries Seek Broad Nicotine Restrictions

    Eight EU Countries Seek Broad Nicotine Restrictions

    Eight EU member states — the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, Latvia, Slovenia, and Spain — are urging the European Commission to significantly expand the bloc’s tobacco and nicotine rules as part of the review of the Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Advertising Directive. In a letter to Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, the countries called for maximum nicotine limits, standardized products and devices, plain packaging, and broad flavor restrictions across authorized nicotine categories. They also want the regulatory framework to allow individual countries to ban nicotine pouches and disposable e-cigarettes.

    The governments are also seeking a ban on advertising for nicotine products, including influencer and creator content, along with restrictions on cross-border online sales. Their proposal would prohibit new nicotine and nicotine-like products, as well as nicotine-free products designed to resemble nicotine products, from entering the EU market. The countries said the revised framework should keep pace with product and marketing developments and support the EU’s goal of becoming smoke-free by 2040.

  • Ohio Court to Weigh Cities’ Tobacco Ban Rules

    Ohio Court to Weigh Cities’ Tobacco Ban Rules

    The Ohio Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments tomorrow (June 9) in a closely watched case that could determine whether municipalities have the authority to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products. The dispute centers on flavored tobacco bans enacted by several Ohio cities, including Columbus, Bexley, Grandview Heights, and Worthington, and on whether those ordinances are preempted by state law.

    While the case focuses on flavored tobacco products, the Columbus Dispatch says its implications could extend well beyond the nicotine category. The court’s decision is expected to clarify the scope of municipal “home rule” powers in Ohio and could influence how local governments regulate a range of industries and products. For tobacco and nicotine companies, the ruling may determine whether cities can continue to impose their own flavored product restrictions or whether such regulation will remain primarily under state control.

  • Philippine Health Groups Call for Science in Nicotine Control

    Philippine Health Groups Call for Science in Nicotine Control

    Health advocates, academics, and industry representatives urged Philippine lawmakers to base proposed amendments to Republic Act 11900 on scientific evidence, while stepping up enforcement against illegal vape products during a recent Senate hearing. Stakeholders argued that regulations should balance youth protection with access to smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers.

    Dr. Lorenzo Mata of Quit for Good said strict safeguards, including age restrictions and product standards, remain essential, while Professor Michael Eric Castillo of CAPS and Partners cautioned that overly restrictive rules could drive consumers toward the illicit market. The growth of unauthorized vape sales emerged as a key issue, with participants calling for stronger enforcement as the Senate reviews potential changes to the country’s vape law.