Dialogue with JTI: advancing tobacco harm reduction needs stronger government support

JTI stated that to achieve tobacco harm reduction, it is essential to allow the market entry of potentially reduced-risk products and ensure that informed adult smokers have the right to choose whether to use these products. They also believe that government support is crucial.

On September 27, Two Supremes engaged in a dialogue with Japan Tobacco International (JTI) regarding tobacco harm reduction. In their response, JTI emphasized their active support for the concept of tobacco harm reduction. JTI believes that to achieve tobacco harm reduction, it is necessary to allow the market entry of potentially reduced-risk products and ensure that informed adult smokers have the right to choose whether to use these products. Furthermore, JTI pointed out that government support plays a vital role in promoting tobacco harm reduction, a viewpoint that holds a place in current discussions on the topic.

Tobacco Harm Reduction: Safer than Traditional Cigarettes 

The concept of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) has garnered increasing attention from international tobacco companies in recent years. Philip Morris International (PMI) has stated that with appropriate regulation and support from civil society for reducing tobacco harm, many countries could end cigarette sales within 10 to 15 years. British American Tobacco (BAT) has published articles encouraging those who continue to smoke to switch entirely to scientifically validated, reduced-risk alternatives.

THR aims to reduce the health risks associated with tobacco products. Traditional cigarettes produce harmful smoke when burned, containing various carcinogens and harmful chemicals.

JTI told Two Supremes that the core concept of THR is to replace high-risk combustible tobacco products with lower-risk products to minimize the health risks associated with smoking. Lower-risk products include electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products, nicotine gum, and more.

JTI stated that tobacco harm reduction must allow the market entry of potentially reduced-risk products and ensure that informed adult smokers can autonomously choose whether to use these products. Therefore, JTI has been committed to developing, testing, and launching new products that have the potential to reduce smoking-related health risks, enabling adult consumers to make informed choices based on their needs and preferences.

Scientific Research Plays a Key Role in Harm Reduction 

JTI emphasized the importance of scientific research, stating that it plays a crucial role in tobacco harm reduction. It helps assess the toxicological characteristics of novel tobacco and nicotine products, which are less harmful compared to combustible tobacco products.

Additionally, scientific research addresses important questions regarding product acceptance, including consumer satisfaction with tobacco products such as electronic cigarettes, providing key information for further product development.

JTI stated that research has confirmed that novel products (such as nicotine pouches and heated tobacco products) have lower toxicity compared to combustible tobacco products.

“Replacing cigarettes with novel tobacco or nicotine products leads to a significant reduction in exposure to harmful substances,” JTI believes. 

However, JTI also noted that tobacco harm reduction faces several major challenges, one of which is regulatory restrictions. To support harm reduction, the regulatory environment should be designed to be more inclusive, applicable to various reduced-risk products (RRP), and provide accurate, balanced information so that interested adult smokers can make informed choices.

Government Support is Crucial 

JTI also discussed the important role of government and industry in tobacco harm reduction, asserting that government support is essential. “Governments should establish regulations that give RRPs a fair chance and ensure that consumers can make choices based on their needs. Only in a market where RRPs are available can smokers have the opportunity to choose autonomously based on the harm level of the products.

“Some governments completely ban RRPs, implementing excessive market preconditions, nicotine limits, flavor bans, ingredient bans, packaging restrictions, or treating RRP devices the same as consumer goods,” JTI stated on this topic.

JTI believes that different industries should collaborate to promote the development of THR. This includes continuous innovation, transparent information dissemination, and cooperation with regulatory agencies. Importantly, all industry participants should prioritize consumer safety and freedom of choice, respect science and evidence, maintain transparency, and be willing to accept feedback and improve.

“The realization of THR requires cooperation from all parties, including government, industry, scientists, and the public. Through joint efforts, we can provide safer choices for adult smokers and minimize the health risks associated with smoking.” #p#分页标题#e#