The proposal to revise the Tobacco Products Directive presented by the European Commission bans the use of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco (RYO) and smokeless tobacco products with characterising flavours and makes the use of large pictorial health warnings mandatory on cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco (RYO).

The European Commission presented a proposal to revise the Tobacco Products Directive which consists of new and strengthened rules on how tobacco products can be manufactured, presented, and sold. Among other measures,the proposal regulates cross border internet sale and foresees technical features to combat illicit trade. In November 2012, the EU signed a new international Protocol to stop illicit trading of tobacco products.

The Commission also proposed measures for products that were not specifically regulated so far such as e-cigarettes and herbal products for smoking. Chewing and nasal tobacco will be subject to specific labelling and ingredient regulations. The existing ban for oral tobacco (snus) shall be maintained.

Commissioner in charge of Health & Consumer Policy, Tonio Borg stressed that consumers must not be cheated: tobacco products should look and taste like tobacco products and, according to him, this proposal ensures that attractive packaging and flavourings are not used as a marketing strategy. As a next step, the proposal will be discussed in the European Parliament and in the Council of Ministers. It is expected to be adopted in 2014. It would come into effect from 2015-2016.