Will the European Commission ban electronic cigarettes? The issue is on everyone’s lips after the incidents this autumn in the United States, which resulted in several deaths, including one ‘imported into Belgium’. Asked to speak by Environment Committee MEPs on Tuesday 18 February, an EU official called for a step-by-step approach.
“Some countries have decided to ban electronic cigarettes on their territory, such as India. But I don't think it’s the right time in Europe. This is not in our legislation, this should be based on proportionality and other measures”, replied Andrzej Rys, Director for health systems, medical products and innovation at the Directorate General of Health.
The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), applicable since 20 May 2016, does not ban electronic cigarettes. Instead, it sets a maximum concentration and volume of nicotine for nicotine cartridges, tanks and containers of nicotine liquid. It also regulates the purity of ingredients, consumer information and the presentation of packages. It also instructs the Commission to present an implementation report in May 2021.
As Mr Rys pointed out, the incidents in the United States have alarmed the Europeans. According to MEP Michèle Rivasi (Greens/EFA, France), these incidents left 2,409 people ill and 52 dead, due, according to Mr Rys, to the incorporation of vitamins combined with cannabis in the liquid. “The crisis situation in the US has prompted Member States to take this issue more seriously”, said the Commission representative. He indicated that the Scientific Committee on Health, Environment and Emerging Risks (SCHEER) was due to deliver an assessment in the fall of 2020. He also announced a Eurobarometer survey later this year, a study on the perception of electronic cigarettes and heated products, but also that discussions at the World Health Organisation (WHO) were expected. “To act, we need evidence”, he concluded. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)