Artem Kiryanov, Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma’s Economic Policy Committee, stated that it is premature to discuss image warnings on heated tobacco devices, as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) technical regulations on nicotine-containing products are still under negotiation.
Key Points:
- Background of the Proposal: The State Duma Deputy Speaker proposed placing image warnings on heated tobacco device packaging to reduce youth use of these products.
- Opposition: Artem Kiryanov. The Deputy Chairman of the State Duma’s Economic Policy Committee believes that it is premature to discuss image warnings, as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) technical regulations are still under negotiation.
- Regulatory Negotiations: EAEU technical regulations will standardize packaging requirements for nicotine-containing products, and Russia needs to wait for the finalization of the union regulations before taking action.
- Potential Risks: Kiryanov warned that premature implementation of new restrictions could lead to tobacco products flowing into Russia from neighboring countries, impacting the market.
- Priorities: The current priority is to promote the expedited adoption of EAEU regulations to ensure uniform market standards.
Russian Duma deputy responds to proposal on heated tobacco warning images
According to a report by PNP on August 7, Artem Kiryanov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma’s Economic Policy Committee, stated that it is premature to discuss pictorial warnings for heated tobacco devices in Russia due to ongoing negotiations on Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) technical regulations for nicotine-containing products.
Earlier, State Duma Deputy Speaker Boris Chernyshov proposed placing scary images on heated tobacco device packaging, similar to those on cigarette packs, to warn of the dangers of smoking. He noted that one in three young smokers currently chooses heated tobacco products, but this is a misconception about their safety.
Kiriyanov urged caution in implementing such measures. He stated that the packaging requirements for different types of nicotine-containing products, including heated tobacco products, will be governed by technical regulations applicable uniformly across all Eurasian Economic Union countries, making it premature to discuss implementing pictorial warnings in Russia at this stage.
According to him, the EAEU technical regulations currently under negotiation will set the requirements for packaging appearance. Kiryanov added that the priority now should be to push for the rapid adoption of regulations, arguing that different new restrictions could lead to the diversion of similar products from neighboring countries to Russia for sale.
