Vapor industry information needed

The European Commission has been asked to provide information on the implementation within EU member states of the Tobacco Products Directive in respect of electronic cigarettes.

Roberta Metsola, a Maltese member of the European Parliament said in a preamble to her request that a top Greek court had decided that the advertising of e-cigarettes and their use in public places should be covered by the same laws as applied to traditional cigarettes and smoking.

Metsola said that, in its reply to a previous question, the Commission had stated that ‘Article 20 of the Tobacco Products Directive contained requirements relating to safety, quality and consumer protection of electronic cigarettes’.

The Commission had stated also that it was monitoring regulatory developments relating to electronic cigarettes. In this respect, it remained in close contact with member states to enable the exchange of available information and experience, by means of different forums, including the Expert Group on Tobacco Policy, its Subgroup on Electronic Cigarettes and the upcoming Joint Action on Tobacco Control.

Metsola asked whether the Commission could already provide information on the implementation within EU member states of the Tobacco Products Directive in respect of e-cigarettes.

The Commission is due to reply in writing.