DHAKA: Electronic cigarettes would become a medicinal product under new proposals from the EU Commission which are being considered by MEPs.

They will vote on a proposed update of EU laws regarding various tobacco products, with the aim of discouraging young people from taking up smoking.

Sales of tobacco-free e-cigarettes have boomed worldwide since bans on smoking in public places were introduced. But campaigners say their growing popularity is dangerous.

They argue that e-cigarettes undermine years of anti-smoking efforts and could be especially damaging to children and non-smokers.

The devices are designed to replicate smoking behaviour without the use of tobacco. They turn nicotine and other chemicals into a vapour that is inhaled.

Manufacturers of e-cigarettes say the products have the potential to save millions of lives and should not be restricted because they could dramatically reduce smoking-related diseases.

The proposals to restrict e-cigarettes are part of a range of measures being considered by the EU during the first reading of a new draft tobacco directive which could become law in 2014.

Other proposed EU tobacco restrictions include:

•        Bigger health warnings in text and pictures on cigarette packs sold in the EU
•        A ban on strong flavours such as menthol or vanilla which can mask the bitter tobacco taste
•        Words like "light", "mild" and "low tar" that are deemed to be misleading would be banned
•        A ban on chewing tobacco - called snus - although Sweden will have an exemption
•        A ban on packs of 10 cigarettes and slim cigarette, mostly smoked by women

There has been intense lobbying from tobacco companies, e-cigarette manufacturers and anti-smoking organisations who all want the proposals to be watered down.

But supporters of the measures say that young people especially are being tricked into taking up smoking.

"Tobacco products should look and taste like tobacco products," said EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg, presenting the proposals.

The current requirement for health warnings on packets is 30% minimum coverage on one side and 40% on the other.

The new packaging requirements would also apply to roll-your-own tobacco.

The legislation would allow member states the option of plain, non-branded packaging "in duly justified cases".

Source: BBC
BDST: 0950 HRS, OCT 08, 2013
SR/RS/BSK