The Polish government has begun drafting legislation to ban the sale of flavored heated tobacco products in the country, moving swiftly to implement a European Union directive prohibiting the marketing of such products within the EU. According to "Dziennik Gazeta Prawna," the decision has been made, and the draft bill is expected to reach parliament soon.
Deputy Health Minister Wojciech Konieczny informed the newspaper that while the ban could be introduced quickly, the government first intends to discuss the matter with producers. "Perhaps the regulations will introduce a ban from next year," the article suggests.
The EU directive, adopted in response to a significant increase in the volume of heated tobacco products sold across the EU, prohibits the introduction of flavored heated tobacco products to the EU market. It also removes the ability of member states to grant exemptions for such products from certain labeling requirements specified in EU regulations.
The European Commission emphasizes that heated tobacco products (HTP) generate smoke containing nicotine and other chemicals, which users then inhale. As Poland delayed implementing the directive, the Commission called on the country to take action in late September 2024.
