Lithuania has banned flavored products in tobacco heating devices

The Lithuanian Seimas has banned the sale of flavored tobacco heating systems in Lithuania, which includes the addition of substances that can alter the odor or taste of the product.

It was reported by LRT.

The manufacturers of such products will also be required to include health warnings on the packaging. The ban will come into effect on October 23.

103 deputies voted in favor of the amendments to the Law on the Control of Tobacco, Tobacco Products, and Related Products in the Seimas, one was against, and four abstained.

Additionally, the Seimas has prohibited the sale of tobacco heating systems in Lithuania that contain substances allowing for the alteration of the strength of odor, taste, or smoke intensity. Currently, this requirement only applies to cigarettes and loose tobacco for self-rolling.

"This uniformity is important to provide consumers with accurate information about the health risks of heated tobacco products," said Aidas Gedvilas, a member of the Mixed Group of Deputies, during the Seimas session.

The proposed restrictions are based on an EU directive aimed at reducing tobacco consumption in the European Union. Member states are required to adopt and publish laws and regulations no later than July 23 of this year.

According to the State Tax Inspectorate, wholesale trade in heated tobacco products increased by 27.3% last year.

In Ukraine, the anti-tobacco bill No. 4358, adopted on December 16, 2021, provides definitions for various types of electronic cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products, and flavor additives for cigarettes. It also introduces additional restrictions on the use of electronic cigarettes.

The law came into effect in June 2023. It equates electronic cigarettes to regular ones, thus prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes and their components to individuals under the age of 18. It also prohibits advertising, sponsorship, and promotion of such products, including on the internet and social media. Additionally, it introduces special labeling indicating the harmfulness on packages of cigarette sticks, refills, and smokeless tobacco products, similar to regular cigarettes.