Germany expands flavor ban to heated tobacco, while vaping escapes but may face advertising restrict

Information published on the German Bundestag’s official website shows that on June 22, the Bundestag approved a draft amendment to the Tobacco Products Act, formally banning the addition of vanilla, chocolate, or other flavorings to heated tobacco. After the amendment was passed, the tobacco products covered by Germany’s flavor ban became cigarettes and heated tobacco, while vaporized e-cigarettes are not included in the scope of the flavor ban.

At the same time, another EU directive will also be transposed into German law: manufacturers must add warning information, including text and images, to heated tobacco packaging. The law will take effect on October 23, 2023. Information on the Bundestag’s official website shows that the reason for expanding the scope of the flavor ban is that flavored tobacco products have a “gateway effect” and may induce non-smokers to use tobacco products.

Although the scope of the current ban has not yet been extended to vaporized e-cigarettes, relevant officials have also called for tighter restrictions on vaporized e-cigarettes, as there are already cases of minors becoming addicted to disposable e-cigarettes. A likely path toward stronger e-cigarette regulation may be to begin with an advertising ban.