New anti-smoking law in Romania: stricter measures to protect public health

Romania recently took a significant step in its public health policy by adopting strict legislation to ban advertising for all tobacco, vaping and nicotine products. This initiative, led by Gigel Stirbu, a Member of the European Parliament affiliated with the National Liberal Party (PNL), aims to protect Romanian youth from the dangers associated with the consumption of tobacco and other nicotine products.

In the country, tobacco use is the leading cause of disease and premature and preventable death. More than a quarter of the population aged 15 and over consume tobacco, of which 18.7% are daily smokers according to the "Population Health Status" study carried out by the National Institute of Statistics, 2021. Added to this are consumers of electronic cigarettes) -. The high prevalence of smoking among young people is worrying. According to the same study, the proportion of smokers, among adolescents and young people aged 15 to 24, who smoke daily is 10.16%, while 9.81% smoke occasionally. About 1.7% of the population aged 15 and over reported using electronic cigarettes, with the highest proportion of users in the 25-34 age group (3.3%). [1]

Romania's delay in implementing anti-smoking measures

Romania, although a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control since 2006, has been slow to adopt strict measures to combat smoking due to a fairly strong lobby from tobacco manufacturers. Growing awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke and international pressure have finally led to changes. In 2008[2], a law on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products in Romania had been enacted.

But it was only in March 2016 that the country passed the law banning smoking in enclosed public spaces, workplaces and children's play areas. Added to this was the transposition of the European Tobacco Products Directive regulating tobacco and vaping products. This 2016 law was a crucial step towards protecting public health.[3] On March 28, 2024, with the development of new products placed on the market, Romania has just promulgated Law No. 64/2024 amending and supplementing certain previous provisions, Restrictions are introduced regarding the marketing, sale and packaging of tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine products in the country while a ban on the sale of all these products to minors under 18 years of age is introduced.

Reduce the visibility and consumption of tobacco and nicotine products

It is in this continuity that in June 2024, Romania adopted a new anti-smoking law The 2024 law reinforces the principle of the total ban on advertising, which was previously partial, regardless of the medium, including online and on social networks. It also includes advertisements for new tobacco and nicotine products within the scope of the ban. The display device authorized at points of sale is strictly regulated. In addition, the country imposes neutral packaging for all products, aimed at reducing their appeal, particularly among young people.

In addition, the new legislation includes tax increases on tobacco products and more intensive awareness campaigns on the dangers of smoking.

The ban aims to reduce the exposure of young people and the general public to marketing messages encouraging tobacco consumption.

Thus, Romania continues to strengthen its legislative framework to combat the harmful effects of smoking on public health. The stakes are high for the country: where morbidity and mortality attributable to smoking are high. This commitment of the country is also part of a perspective of reducing non-communicable diseases (cancers, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory diseases) of which a significant part is due to behaviors, in particular tobacco.

DT

[1] National Institute of Statistics, “State of health of the population” , published in 2021, consulted on June 24, 2024

[2] https://assets.tobaccocontrollaws.org/uploads/legislation/Romania/Romania-Law-No.-457.pdf

[3] Christina Radulescu, Up in smoke: The impact of the Romanian smoking ban, CafeBale, published May 31, 2016, accessed June 20, 2024

[4] Lulia Gherman, The Chamber of Deputies adopted the bill banning the advertising of several tobacco or nicotine products, Radio Romania, published on June 18, 2024, accessed on June 20, 2024