In response to the EU directive, the Polish House of Representatives Health Committee proposed a ban on the sale of heated tobacco products containing flavorings, with a nine-month transition period for the new regulation.
According to Portalsamorzadowwy on February 19, the Health Committee of the Polish House of Representatives adopted a proposal to ban the sale of heated tobacco products containing flavorings.
The bill, which aims to implement the EU directive, was approved by the health committee on Monday, with 17 votes in favor, two against, and two abstentions. The committee did not make any changes to the recommendations prepared by the Ministry of Health. If the law is approved, manufacturers and sellers will have nine months to adapt to the new rules.
Wojciech Konieczny, Deputy Minister of Health, explained to parliamentarians that the nine-month transition period is because it takes six months for the Office of Chemical Affairs to give an opinion on the products to be marketed.
According to the European Commission, sales of heated tobacco products have increased by more than 2,000% in recent years and currently have a market share of 3.33%. Citing a “substantial change” in the market environment, the European Commission called for the development of EU-wide laws and regulations to remove exemptions for specialty flavors in heated cigarettes.
At its plenary session on February 20, the Polish Chamber of Deputies will further discuss the proposal.
