The Tobacco Products Directive
Directive 2014/40/EU entered into force on 19 May 2014 and became applicable in the Member States on 20 May 2016.
It governs the manufacture, presentation and sale of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes and herbal products for smoking.
The Directive is designed both to improve the functioning of the internal market for tobacco and related products and to ensure a high level of health protection, particularly for young people.
Ingredients, flavours and emissions
Cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco with characterising flavours are prohibited. Manufacturers and importers must report information on ingredients and emissions to national authorities using common European reporting mechanisms.
Certain additives are subject to enhanced reporting requirements. The Commission has also established a mechanism, supported by an independent advisory panel, to determine whether a tobacco product has a characterising flavour.
Packaging and consumer information
Tobacco products must carry health warnings appropriate to their category. Cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and waterpipe tobacco carry combined warnings comprising text, colour photographs and information on smoking cessation.
For cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco, combined health warnings cover 65% of both the front and back surfaces of the package.
Promotional or misleading elements suggesting that a product is less harmful, has environmental or health benefits, or provides economic advantages are prohibited.
Electronic cigarettes and novel products
Article 20 establishes safety, quality, packaging, notification and reporting requirements for electronic cigarettes and refill containers.
Manufacturers and importers must also notify Member States of novel tobacco products before placing them on the market.
