Health prepares to restrict flavorings in tobacco and regulate nicotine pouches and vapers

The Minister of Health, Monica Garciareported this Thursday that the draft royal decree that regulates the nicotine bagsthe vapers with or without nicotine, restricts flavorings and establishes the mandatory nature of generic labeling on packets and tobacco to roll

In a speech at the event “Project Zero-Young people without tobacco”, organized by the Spanish Association against Cancerthe minister has considered that vapers and new forms of tobacco “are not damage control for people who want to stop smoking” but rather the gateway to starting smoking addiction.

Mónica García has recalled that 140 people die every day due to tobacco and that this is responsible for 30% of tumors, so these initiatives – the minister has assured – are essential to reach that level in 2030. smoke free generation.

Regarding smoke-free spaces, the minister has limited herself to saying that Health continues working and “a law is pending to regulate these spaces.”

The project, which is submitted to a public hearing and updates the regulations on tobacco and related products, introduces two new categories of products: nicotine pouches (their content is limited to a maximum dose of 0.99 mg per sachet) and heated herbal products, establishing safety, labeling and marketing requirements.

The use of flavorings is also limited in electronic cigarettesallowing only tobacco aromas to prevent the artificial flavors are attractive to young people.

In addition, it establishes the mandatory uniform appearance for cigarettes and rolling tobacco, eliminating design elements and attractive colors that could encourage consumption.

The project establishes labeling requirements such as the inclusion of ingredients, health warnings (“Consuming this product is harmful to health”) and an information leaflet on use, storage, contraindications and possible adverse effects.

The draft royal decree opens two deadlines in its sole transitional provision: Manufacturers have ten months to adapt to new labeling, packaging and manufacturing standardswhile businesses have twelve months to sell the products they still have in stock. stocks under the previous regulations.