CNCT calls for banning flavourings from all nicotine products

By publishing a study on new tobacco and nicotine products on Monday, February 13, 2023, the National Committee against Smoking warns of non-compliance with advertising regulations and calls for a revision of nicotine regulations, better supervision of the sale of these products and a ban on all flavors, with the exception of tobacco flavor.

While advertising for tobacco products has been completely banned, including at points of sale since 2016, advertising for vaping products remains highly regulated and limited to posters on the premises, not visible from outside. The study that has just been made public by the National Committee against Smoking (CNCT) shows that these basic provisions are only very partially respected, by tobacconists as well as by specialist vaping stores.[1].

Profusion of illegal advertising

In this study on new tobacco and nicotine products, the CNCT noted that 84.5 % of advertisements for vaping products in tobacconists are illegal, whether by exceeding the authorized format or by being visible from outside. Non-compliant advertisements were observed in 72 % of vaping stores. Advertisements and promotional operations for heated tobacco devices, prohibited because they fall under tobacco products, were also noted in 47 % of tobacconists. These high levels of infringement suggest that these are not just individual errors, but intentional circumvention strategies orchestrated by manufacturers.

Uncontrolled emergence of new products

In parallel with its observations on electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, the CNCT warned about the uncontrolled introduction of new products onto the market. It thus warned of the appearance and wild multiplication of points of sale for disposable electronic cigarettes ("puffs"), from September 2021, and that of nicotine pouches in recent months. The very rapid growth of these markets is taking the authorities by surprise, in a sector where regulations are already struggling to be respected, whether it concerns sales to minors or advertising and promotion.

Fruity aromas to attract young audiences

The huge variety of aromas and flavours offered is the main driver behind the development of these new products. The sweet flavours, reminiscent of the world of confectionery, ice cream and pastries (marshallow, crumble, iced mango, red fruits, etc.), seem particularly intended to attract young people, as do the very colourful packaging of these products. This reference universe seems to be aimed more at young people looking for new sensations than at adult smokers who would like to quit smoking.

Regulations to be aligned with those of tobacco

These findings prompt the CNCT to sound the alarm on these new tobacco and nicotine products. Among the recommendations it issues, compliance with the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (CCLAT) of the World Health Organization (WHO), ratified by France and the European Union, would make it possible to respond to many of the challenges posed by these products. Aligning regulations on electronic cigarettes and other nicotine products with the provisions applicable to tobacco is one of the areas proposed by the association.

As for the measures to be implemented, the CNCT recommends that all flavours – with the exception of tobacco flavours – be banned immediately for all nicotine products, so that they do not constitute a factor in the development of nicotine addiction. The association encourages a review of the foundations of the regulation of these nicotine products and of nicotine itself. It also calls for better supervision of the retail sale of these products.

To go further, consult our analyses on the aromas, THE nicotine pouches and the manufacturers strategies.

Keywords: CNCT, vaping, heated tobacco, flavors, advertising

MF

[1] National Committee against Smoking, New tobacco and nicotine products, Market evolution through the advertising phenomenon in France 2020 – 2022, summary report, February 2023, 40 p.