The European Commission has launched a call for evidence as part of its planned revision of the EU Tobacco Products Directive and Tobacco Advertising Directive to address emerging tobacco and nicotine products, evolving consumption patterns, and digital marketing practices. The initiative aims to improve the functioning of the EU internal market, strengthen public health protection, and support implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in line with Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and the Safe Hearts Plan. According to the Commission, the existing directives have contributed to declining smoking rates but no longer adequately address recent market developments, including nicotine pouches, heated herbal products, disposable e-cigarettes, and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems. The review also seeks to tackle increasing concerns over youth uptake driven by flavours, colourful packaging, and online promotion through social media and influencers. The Commission is considering policy options that may include extending the scope of EU tobacco legislation to novel products, introducing new restrictions on flavours and disposable e-cigarettes, strengthening packaging and labelling requirements including plain packaging, and tightening rules on digital advertising and marketing. The call for evidence opened on May 18, 2026, and will remain open for feedback until June 15, 2026. A broader public consultation is planned for the second quarter of 2026, while the Commission is expected to adopt the legislative proposal in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Consumer News Region