New Regulations for Tobacco Products: Spain’s Stricter Standards

The Spanish Ministry of Health has announced plans to implement new labeling and sales regulations concerning nicotine pouch products. On November 21, they released a draft Royal Decree aimed at revising the rules for tobacco and related products. Key objectives include creating standardized packaging for all tobacco products, regulating nicotine pouches and e-cigarettes, and limiting the use of flavorings in these products.

This initiative is a part of the “Comprehensive Tobacco Prevention and Control Plan 2024-2027,” which emphasizes the importance of product content, quality, and safety standards, as well as packaging requirements.

Health Minister Mónica García highlighted a key aspect of the new Royal Decree: the introduction of universal packaging that will standardize the appearance of all cigarette packs. García noted, “This is not just a formality; scientific evidence shows that the unique designs on cigarette packs contribute to their harmful impact.”

The draft suggests several amendments to the existing Royal Decree No. 579/2017. These amendments call for uniform packaging for cigarettes and loose tobacco, removing visual elements that are appealing to consumers.

For nicotine-free e-cigarettes, the decree requires labels to include ingredients, health warnings (such as “Consuming this product is harmful to health”), and instructions for use and storage.

The draft further restricts e-cigarette flavorings, permitting only tobacco flavors, and introduces regulatory measures for new product categories such as nicotine pouches and heated herbal products, emphasizing safety, labeling, and sales criteria.

During the transition period, manufacturers have ten months to align with the new labeling, packaging, and production requirements. Retailers will have a twelve-month window to sell through their existing stock.

These measures reflect a strong commitment to public health and aim to provide clear guidelines for tobacco product manufacturers and sellers, reinforcing Spain’s dedication to reducing tobacco-related harm.