Tobacco advertising and sponsorship
Tobacco advertising increases consumption in several ways, most importantly by encouraging children or young adults to start smoking. It also stimulates smokers to increase consumption, reduces smokers’ motivation to quit, urges former smokers to resume and creates an environment in which tobacco use is seen as acceptable. At the same time,the warnings about their health are undermined.
EU Legislation banning tobacco adv and sponsorship
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Tobacco advertising and sponsorship is restricted in the EU by the:
The Tobacco Advertising Directive 2003/33/EC introduces an EU wide ban on cross-border tobacco advertising and sponsorship in the media other than television. The ban covers print media, radio, internet and sponsorship of events involving several EU countries, such as the Olympic Games and Formula One races. Free distribution of tobacco is banned in such events. The ban covers advertising and sponsorship with the aim of direct or indirect effect of promoting a tobacco product. Tobacco advertising and sponsorship on television was prohibited in 1989 by the Television without Frontiers Directive (89/552/EEC), now replaced by the Audiovisual Media Services Directive 2010/13/EU which extends the application of this ban to all forms of audiovisual commercial communications, including product placement. The latest review of AVMSD was carried out in 2018. The ban on direct and indirect advertising has been extended to all tobacco products, electronic cigarettes and refills. To help Member States with the implementation of the new AVMSD the Commission has adopted two sets of guidelines: The Council Recommendation (2003/54/EC) on the Prevention of Smoking and on Initiatives to improve tobacco control covers other forms of tobacco promotion. In addition, it recommends EU countries to prohibit the use of tobacco brand names on non-tobacco products or services, specifically;
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Revision of excise rules for Tobacco (as July 2021): the Roadmap
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In 2020 the European Commission launched a procedure for the revision of Directive 2011/64/EU. 1. Evaluation of current Directive, in 2020 The first step was an evaluation of the results provided by the directive. The evaluation showed that the imposition of a common and high level of excise duty gave stability to the tax revenues of EU countries, but only affected the reduction of smokers in countries where the level of excise duty was low compared to the European average. . For this reason, in line with public health objectives and given that 26% of the population still smokes (29% among young people), the European Commission believes that the level of minimum excise duties should be raised again. Furthermore, given that the price per package today ranges from €2.57 to €11.37, this represents a sufficient economic incentive for high and unanticipated levels of cross-border shopping. The evaluation also highlights that the emergence of new products, such as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and new addictive products reveal the limitations of the current legal framework. |
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The evaluation concludes that a more comprehensive approach is needed, taking into account all aspects of tobacco control, including public health, taxation, the fight against illicit trade and environmental concerns.
2. Inception impact assessment, 2020/2021
As second step, from 8 December 2020 and 5 January 2021 the European Commission launched an Inception impact assessment. You can ask us to receive the full feedback received with 134 contributions.
3. Public consultation ("Have Your Say"), 2021
As third step, from 30 March 2021 and 22 June 2021, the European Commission opened a Public Consultation on the revision of the Directive. You can ask us to receive the full feedback received.
4. Revision of the Directive
The Commission should adopt a proposal for revision during the fourth quarter 2021.
2. Inception impact assessment, 2020/2021
As second step, from 8 December 2020 and 5 January 2021 the European Commission launched an Inception impact assessment. You can ask us to receive the full feedback received with 134 contributions.
3. Public consultation ("Have Your Say"), 2021
As third step, from 30 March 2021 and 22 June 2021, the European Commission opened a Public Consultation on the revision of the Directive. You can ask us to receive the full feedback received.
4. Revision of the Directive
The Commission should adopt a proposal for revision during the fourth quarter 2021.
TIPS: If you want to be constantly informed on the ongoing legislative process in the European Institutions on Tobacco products and take part to the debate, fill the form below. We can also provide all data concerning tobacco consumption over the last 10 years and the fiscal revenue of Member States.
