The uncertainty of tobacco regulations in Spain has caused industry concern. PMI called for a clear regulatory framework to distinguish between traditional cigarettes and new alternatives, stressing that banning alternatives is not as good as strictly regulating traditional cigarettes, and policy uncertainty has affected its investment in Spain, calling for a transition to safer alternatives.
Key points:
1. Spain’s tobacco regulations are uncertain, and PMI calls for a clear regulatory framework that distinguishes between traditional cigarettes and new tobacco products.
2. Banning new products is not as good as strictly regulating traditional cigarettes. Sweden’s successful case shows that promoting alternatives can effectively reduce smoking rates.
3. PMI wants to strengthen restrictions on traditional cigarettes and promote the transition to safer alternatives to achieve tobacco reduction goals.
According to The Objective on March 30. Spain is currently facing uncertainty over tobacco regulations, especially regarding the regulation of new forms of consumption such as vapes and heated tobacco devices.
Philip Morris International (PMI) highlights the need for a clear regulatory framework to distinguish traditional cigarettes from new tobacco products. Daniel Cuevas, CEO of PMI Spain, stressed that the health risks of combustion-free alternatives are significantly lower than those of traditional cigarettes.
- “Our biggest concern is the confusion and lack of differentiation between different products. Non-burning alternatives must be treated differently because they are significantly less harmful than traditional cigarettes. We believe that society and adult smokers should have access to all available information without ideological bias. Studies by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Finnish Ministry of Health and others have shown that non-combustion products significantly reduce harm compared to traditional cigarettes.”
However, without the right guidance, Spain’s nine million smokers could continue to use traditional cigarettes.
Cuevas argued that any product containing nicotine should be subject to strict regulation, including adult-only purchases, sales in tobacco specialty stores, clear tax policies, and advertising restrictions aimed at adult smokers. However, the current policy of the Spanish Ministry of Health is not just to regulate, but to directly consider banning these products. This is not reasonable. Instead of banning proven alternatives, it is better to strengthen the regulation of traditional cigarettes, which are the most harmful products.
Cuevas says bans are less effective than strict controls. He pointed to the success of Sweden, where the promotion of non-burning alternatives has reduced smoking rates below 5% and dramatically reduced lung cancer cases. He believes that without a proper regulatory framework, banning smoke-free alternatives could isolate Spain globally.
Regarding market investment. Cuevas admitted that the current policy uncertainty has affected the pace of PMI’s investment in Spain. They are committed to heating tobacco products and investing in promising technological innovations. But he stressed: “If there had been a clear and predictable regulatory environment, we could have made more and faster investments.”
Cuevas called for tighter restrictions on traditional cigarettes while pushing for a transition to safer alternatives. He reiterated that PMI will continue to actively advocate for the reduction of tobacco use within the framework of regulations and promote a rational attitude towards smoke-free alternatives. Sweden’s success gives them confidence, but Spain will need to adjust its current approach if it is to achieve a similar goal.
