TPD 3 - Tobacco Product Policy: How you can prevent the end of the shisha scene and protect flavors

TPD 3 - Tobacco Product Policy: How you can prevent the end of the shisha scene and protect flavors

Please read this article carefully to the end to learn how you can prevent the end of the shisha scene and avoid flavors being banned.

What is the TPD?

The Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) is European Union (EU) legislation that aims to regulate the manufacture, display and sale of tobacco products in the EU. The policy was introduced in 2014 and has been implemented gradually since then.

Current status of the TPD

The current regulations for tobacco products are based on TPD 2, the second EU directive that regulates the trade in tobacco products. Proposals and framework conditions for EU-wide tobacco laws have been communicated and implemented by the European Commission since December 2012. Originally these regulations only applied to cigarettes.

According to TPD 2, e-cigarettes and liquids are now also affected by the new regulations. These relate to trade, packaging, marketing and the quality of the products offered.

The TPD has had a significant impact on the tobacco industry in the EU. Tobacco companies have had to redesign their packaging to comply with larger health warnings. Some have even stopped selling flavored cigarettes entirely, which has led to a transformation in the tobacco trade.

The vaping industry has also been heavily impacted by the regulation of e-cigarettes. Some businesses have had to close or adapt their facilities to comply with the new rules.

EU objectives with the TPD

Despite the controversy and perceived restrictive nature of the TPD, it has been praised for its role in reducing smoking rates and protecting public health. The directive has been implemented in all EU member states and similar regulations have been introduced worldwide.

A main goal of the TPD is to make tobacco products less attractive to young people. This was achieved through greater health warnings on cigarette packs and a ban on flavored cigarettes.

The TPD also regulates e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). These are subject to the same rules as other tobacco products, including a ban on advertising and promotions.

The TPD has also helped raise awareness of the harmful effects of smoking and tobacco products. Greater health warnings on cigarette packs have raised consumer awareness and persuaded some smokers to quit.

What is TPD3?

The TPD has been updated over time to reflect changing attitudes and scientific evidence. A revised version of the policy was introduced in 2021. This contains measures to further restrict the use of additives in tobacco products as well as new requirements for e-cigarettes and ENDS.

Impact on consumers of tobacco products

TPD3 aims to ban flavors of all tobacco products, including shisha tobacco. This means that you will soon no longer be able to smoke your favorite tobacco. This could significantly reduce consumption and impact the entire tobacco industry.

The number of unreported cases of illegally traded tobacco products could increase, which would make tracing more difficult and could reflect poorly on the industry.

Why should shisha flavors be banned?

The EU's main goal is to make society smoke-free by 2040. This is primarily intended to prevent young people from gaining access to tobacco products in order to protect their health.

The EU aims to ban all tobacco products and products containing nicotine and remove them from the market.

How can you combat TPD3?

The shisha community can take active action against TPD3 to preserve their flavors. The EU has set up a Public Consultation to hear consumers' voices and prevent possible flavor bans.

To prevent these flavors from being banned, you can register on the EU website and take part in the survey. There you will be asked questions about tobacco products that you can answer.

Your participation is important to influence tobacco product law and maintain the diversity of flavored tobacco products. You can find further information and detailed instructions on the saveourshisha website and at shishaalliance. You can also find a video about the TPD3 there.

By getting involved, you can help preserve the diversity of tobacco products and protect manufacturers and jobs. Help advocate for the overall consumption of flavored tobacco products.