The Dutch government has decided to implement neutral cigarette packaging, which will also be used for vapes and cigars. The measure aims to comprehensively combat the problem of youth smoking to achieve the goal of zero tobacco by 2040.
According to a recent press release by the Dutch government. The Netherlands has required neutral packaging of tobacco and hand-rolled smoke since 2020. According to the Secretary of State for Public Health, Welfare, and Sport, Van Ooijen. The Cabinet considers that the move also applies to vapes and cigars.
The Dutch government said that due to the attractiveness of the packaging, it can guide teenagers to start and continue to smoke and use vapes. In addition, the state is concerned about the growing popularity of vapes and cigars among young people.
The appeal of packaging is important for specific stores that have exemptions from the ban. There, e-cigarettes and cigars can be displayed in attractive packages within the line of sight of customers. Therefore, standardized requirements for the packaging of e-cigarettes and cigars will greatly limit the appeal of such products and their packaging.
Mandatory implementation of gender-neutral packaging for e-cigarettes and cigars is in line with agreements reached in previous national prevention agreements and contributes to the goal of a smoke-free generation by 2040. By 2040, teenagers will no longer smoke, and the smoking rate of adults will not exceed 5%.
