Valvira raises alarm over flavored tobacco cards in Finland

Valvira, Finland’s National Institute for Health and Welfare, has expressed concern over the continued sale of flavored cards in violation of tobacco laws. In July, a kiosk in Lappeenranta was forced to withdraw menthol-scented flavor cards from its inventory after a health inspector ruled them illegal, as they could be used to flavor tobacco products. Leading expert Reija Kauppi from Valvira’s tobacco team stated that the intent of lawmakers is clear: products meant to impart a distinctive scent or flavor to tobacco should not be available to consumers.

While a legal precedent could clarify the interpretation of the tobacco law, Kauppi indicated that Valvira has seen fewer inquiries about flavor cards now compared to when they first entered the market. Most current queries are focused on nicotine pouches, which fell under the tobacco law’s jurisdiction in spring 2023.

The sale of flavored tobacco has been banned since 2020, with regulations further tightened last year to include products suitable for home flavoring. Local health inspectors oversee the sale of tobacco products, guided by legislation from Valvira, which serves as the licensing and supervisory authority in the health sector. Kauppi emphasized that the responsibility for ensuring the legality of products rests primarily with operators, such as retailers.

Authorities assess the legality of products comprehensively, considering usage instructions, packaging, and presentation at point of sale. Notably, menthol products became available at the same time as the ban on menthol cigarettes was implemented. Valvira has explicitly listed flavor cards intended for use in tobacco flavoring as prohibited under the current legislation.