Circumventing cigarette regulation: Product characteristics of cigarette-like cigarillos on the Dutch market
Introduction Cigarillos have been reported to provide an alternative to cigarettes with a characterizing flavor, which are banned in the European Union. Additionally, they are cheaper than cigarettes. To better inform policy making, we wanted to gain better insight into the market situation for ciga...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
European Publishing
2023-07-01
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| Series: | Tobacco Induced Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.org/Circumventing-cigarette-regulation-Product-characteristics-of-ncigarette-like-cigarillos,167476,0,2.html |
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| Summary: | Introduction
Cigarillos have been reported to provide an alternative to cigarettes
with a characterizing flavor, which are banned in the European Union.
Additionally, they are cheaper than cigarettes. To better inform policy making,
we wanted to gain better insight into the market situation for cigarillos in the
Netherlands.
Methods
We analyzed product data notified by manufacturers via the European
Common Entry Gate system (EU-CEG), as extracted on the 1 June 2022. First, we
identified parameters that allowed classifying cigarillos into cigar-like, cigarettelike
and intermediate-type cigarillos. Next, we compared product characteristics
for these groups.
Results
We identified five parameters that allowed classifying cigarillos into
subtypes: product weight, filter presence, leaf tobacco percentage in the product,
flue-cured tobacco percentage in the product, and the number of flavorings.
Almost a quarter (71/285) of the cigarillos on the Dutch market were classified
as cigarette-like. Compared to other cigarillo types, these have a high number
of flavorings (average n=43), including many sweet and fruity flavorings.
The package types of cigarette-like cigarillos resemble those of cigarettes.
However, 85% of the cigarette-like cigarillos are available in smaller pack sizes
than allowed for cigarettes. When comparing data over the period 2019–2022,
we found a decrease in the number of cigar-like cigarillos and an increase in
the number of cigarette-like cigarillos, which hints at a shift in the market
composition.
Conclusions
Cigarette-like cigarillos can provide a way to evade cigarette regulation.
Moreover, their characteristics make them attractive for consumers, including
young people. Regulators should consider amending regulations to close the
regulatory loopholes that allow evading tobacco legislation. |
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| ISSN: | 1617-9625 |