‘The proposals on e-cigarettes are only a small element of a much wider law which will mean big adjustments in tobacco regulation’. Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA Photograph: Tim Ireland/PA
As lead MEP negotiator, I am creating to clarify the outline EU agreement on e-cigarettes (Deal could lead to EU-broad ban on refillable e-cigarettes, 18 December). The agreement, backed yesterday by 27 of the EU’s 28 governments, plus the bulk of MEP negotiators, does not mean that refillable e-cigarettes can merely be withdrawn from the market if 3 governments so determine. The law does incorporate a safeguard clause which says that if three governments withdraw a merchandise from the market place for safety factors (which have to be demonstrated), then the European commission can appear at proposing an EU-broad ban, but any action would once again want to be signed off by all EU governments and MEPs. The draft law also rejects preliminary European commission proposals that all e-cigarettes want a medicines licence instead they will be treated like tobacco products. The proposals on e-cigarettes are only a small component of a significantly wider law which will imply massive modifications in tobacco regulation, paving the way for standardised or “plain” packaging in Britain. It will mean 65% of cigarette packs will be covered by graphic overall health warnings and the variety of gimmick cigarettes – flavoured and lipstick packs created to entice youthful smokers – will be taken off the marketplace. British Conservative MEPs are criticising the agreement, but these are the same MEPs who have tried all along to block progress. The law has the backing of significant United kingdom healthcare organisations and medical doctors, and when the vote comes in February for a last signoff in the European parliament, Labour MEPs will be giving it strong backing.
Linda McAvan MEP (Labour)
Rapporteur, EU tobacco goods directive, European parliament
EU rules on e-cigarettes and tobacco | @guardianletters
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