The 22 December is the deadline for the hearing and public information on the draft royal decree updating the regulation on tobacco and related products, which introduces plain packaging, regulates nicotine pouches and vapers with and without nicotine and includes restrictions on flavourings.
The aim is to improve public health protection through stricter regulation adapted to current market realities. Among the amendments to be included are:
- Plain Packaging: the obligation for packaging to have a uniform appearance is incorporated, eliminating design elements and attractive colours that may encourage consumption. Health warnings are also updated to make them clearer and more complete.
- Non-nicotine electronic cigarettes are regulated for the first time. The inclusion of a list of ingredients, health warnings and an information leaflet with information on use, storage, contraindications, possible adverse effects, etc., are required.
- Restriction of flavourings: Limits the use of flavourings in e-cigarettes, allowing only tobacco flavourings.
- Regulation of new products: nicotine pouches and heated herbal products, establishing safety, labelling and marketing requirements.
The draft Royal Decree establishes two deadlines for compliance whit this new regulation. Manufacturers will have 10 months to adapt to the new labelling, packaging and manufacturing rules, while tobacco shops have 12 months to sell the products they still have in stock under the previous rules.
Rubén Canales
Lawyer
