New Tholos Foundation Report Reveals Flavour Bans Threaten Europe's Smoke-Free Ambition

The Tholos Foundation, an international non-governmental organization dedicated to advocating for consumers, today launched three white papers exposing the risks of banning flavours in vaping products at an event in Brussels hosted by Parliament Magazine and featuring contributions from Swedish MEP Johan Nissinen. The reports cover the impact of flavour bans in the real world, best practices to educate adult smokers and restrict underage usage, and analyse the public response to the European Commission’s 2023 public consultation.

Surveys commissioned by the Tholos Foundation and conducted by Ipsos in multiple countries have shown that a significant majority of vapers use flavours other than tobacco to help reduce and quit smoking. Notably, 83% of vapers in Germany stated that flavours are crucial in their decision to vape, with similar high percentages reported in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The research also showed that, in countries where flavours were banned, many vapers went back to smoking or for black market alternative, and reference numerous scientific studies confirming that flavours are essential for the effectiveness of vaping products in smoking cessation.

With European elections due to take place shortly, it is imperative policymakers take heed of voters’ concerns and reject extensive restrictions on lifesaving smoking alternatives. The new European mandate is expected to drive a new revision of the bloc’s Tobacco Products Directive, and consumers have already overwhelmingly responded to a public consultation overwhelmingly stressing the importance of vapes in helping them quit smoking.

Rather than product bans, the papers examine a menu of policy alternatives to protect public health focussing on improved enforcement of existing laws, restricting flavour descriptors and communications, limiting sales to adult-only stores, and an openness to technological innovations.

Tim Andrews, Director of Consumer Issues and a report author said: “The evidence is clear: flavours in vaping products are critical to helping smokers quit. Banning flavours will create a black market and drive people back to smoking. Our reports offer an evidence-based approach that combines rigorous law enforcement, education, and technological innovations to reduce underage experimentation while preserving the benefits for adult smokers.

“With the European elections approaching, it is crucial for policymakers to understand the importance of harm reduction strategies. Our findings support a balanced approach that protects public health and helps smokers transition to safer alternatives.”

The reports can be downloaded at www.tholosfoundation.org/thr.

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Contact information

Tim Andrews, tandrews@tholosfoundation.org