On Thursday, the 18th of May, the Saeima passed in the final reading amendments to the Law on the Handling of Tobacco Products, Herbal Products for Smoking, Electronic Smoking Devices and Their Liquids. These amendments introduce certain new restrictions on sales of flavoured heated tobacco products.
In the European Union it is prohibited to release tobacco products that have a specific aroma and sales volumes of which in a specific product category is 3% or more. The passed amendments provide restrictions for certain aromas of heated tobacco products.
The public statement mentions that these amendments will apply these amendments will concern the determination of certain flavours for heated tobacco products will enter into force simultaneously in all EU member states and will be binding to all manufacturers, distributors and traders.
Certain flavour means a distinct smell or taste, other than that of tobacco, resulting from an additive or a combination of additives such as fruit, spices, herbs, alcohol, candy, menthol or vanilla, which is perceptible before or during the use of the tobacco product, as mentioned in the legislative draft’s annotation.
A number of studies show that tobacco and nicotine products with add aroma additive, attract the interest of non-smokers, especially youngsters, to try smoking, the annotation continues.
At the same time, amendments will provide the definition of heated tobacco product in the law as a tobacco product that is used using a heating process to release emissions containing nicotine and other chemicals inhaled by the consumer, which, depending on its characteristics, is a smokeless tobacco product or a tobacco product for smoking.
It is planned for new regulations to come into force on the 23rd of October.
Also read: Latvian medical trade union prepares to request at least 140 million euros more for healthcare sector