BUCHAREST, July 19 (Xinhua) — Romanian President Klaus Iohannis signed into law new regulations on Friday that tighten advertising restrictions on e-cigarettes, including vape devices and heated tobacco products.
The legislation expands existing prohibitions on explicit advertising for tobacco products to include e-cigarettes, vape devices, heated tobacco devices, products intended for inhalation without burning from tobacco substitutes, and nicotine pouches for oral use.
Key Provisions of the New Law
- Media Restrictions:
- Explicit advertising for these products is now banned on radio and television broadcasts.
- Advertising is also prohibited on public transportation tickets.
- Institutional Restrictions:
- The law prohibits advertising within educational and healthcare institutions or within 200 meters of their entrances.
- Target Audience Restrictions:
- Advertising in publications primarily targeting minors is forbidden.
- The legislation also bans advertising in theaters before, during, and after performances intended for children.
Implications
These measures signify Romania’s intensified efforts to limit the exposure and appeal of tobacco products and their alternatives, particularly among vulnerable populations such as minors and individuals frequenting healthcare and educational facilities. The comprehensive nature of these restrictions reflects a broader commitment to public health and aligns with similar measures being adopted across the European Union.
Stakeholders in the tobacco and e-cigarette industries will need to adjust their marketing strategies to comply with these stringent regulations. The law’s broad scope, covering various forms of media and public spaces, underscores the government’s determination to curb the influence of tobacco-related advertising.
