Norway to Ban Menthol and Click Cigarettes, Flavored E-Cigarettes in 2024
Norway, one of the few European countries that still allows menthol and click cigarettes, is set to implement a ban on these products in 2024. The ban, which is part of the EU Tobacco Directive, will also prohibit the sale of flavored e-cigarettes, making Norway’s tobacco regulations more closely aligned with those of its European counterparts.
The ban on menthol cigarettes should have been implemented in Norway much earlier, but the process has been delayed due to internal procedures within the EU and other EFTA countries. The Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services informed NTB that they expect the directive to come into force in Norway during 2024, at which time the flavor ban will also take effect.
In recent years, click cigarettes have become increasingly popular in Norway. These cigarettes feature one or more capsules in the filter containing menthol or other flavors, which can be released by squeezing the filter. However, in line with the EU Tobacco Directive, click cigarettes are already banned in most European countries.
In addition to click cigarettes, the ban will also prohibit the sale of pure menthol cigarettes and other types of flavored cigarettes. Erlend Bø, department director at the Norwegian Directorate of Health, confirmed to NTB that the implementation of the ban will occur in 2024, although he could not provide a specific date.
On Thursday, the Norwegian Parliament is expected to approve a ban on selling e-cigarettes with flavor additives. This ban will come into effect simultaneously with the legalization of selling nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in Norway next year. As a result, only e-cigarettes or refill containers with tobacco flavor will be available for purchase.
The upcoming bans on menthol and click cigarettes, as well as flavored e-cigarettes, are part of Norway’s efforts to reduce the appeal of smoking and vaping, particularly among younger generations. By aligning its regulations with the EU Tobacco Directive, Norway aims to create a more comprehensive approach to tobacco control and improve public health outcomes.
As Norway prepares to implement these changes in 2024, the country joins a growing list of nations taking action to curb the use of flavored tobacco products and e-cigarettes. While the exact date of implementation remains uncertain, the commitment to enforcing these bans demonstrates Norway’s dedication to creating a healthier, smoke-free future for its citizens.
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