New EU tobacco rules take effect in Norway with stricter warnings and bans

Norway will implement the EU’s updated tobacco directive on Monday, introducing stricter health warnings, new tracking measures, and bans on certain additives, the government announced in a press release.

The revised regulations require larger graphic warnings on cigarette packs and mandate that health warnings on snus must appear on both the front and back of containers. A new warning targeted at pregnant women and young females will highlight the risks of fetal harm from snus use during pregnancy.

Key changes under the directive include:

A ban on flavoured additives in cigarettes and rolling tobacco Prohibitions on specific additives such as vitamins and caffeine New security markings on packaging to prevent counterfeiting A tracking system to combat illegal trade A ban on misleading packaging elements

Norway will maintain its exemption from the EU’s snus ban, and the existing prohibition on nicotine-containing e-cigarettes remains in place.

The measures aim to reduce tobacco-related harm and curb illicit trade, according to the government statement.