Press Release: Health: European Commission launches public consultation on revision of the tobacco products Directive

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive. The Commission invites all stakeholders to give their input on the different options and to comment on possible measures to improve awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, increase motivation to quit and discourage initiation of smoking. Examples of such measures that could be considered are bigger, double-sided health pictorial warnings on cigarette packages, plain packaging and the regulation of harmful, addictive and attractive substances in tobacco products. This consultation is an important step towards the adoption of a legislative proposal planned for beginning of 2012.