Aroma Ban for Tobacco Sticks Decided: New Rules from 2026
On Thursday, the National Council decided to ban flavored tobacco sticks. The amendment to the Tobacco and Non-Smoker Protection Act concerns so-called heated tobacco products – tobacco sticks that are consumed in special devices without combustion. From May 2026, these may no longer contain additional flavors. Products already manufactured or in circulation may still be sold until May 31, 2026.
Implementation of EU Guidelines
With the amendment, Austria is implementing an EU directive. Flavors in conventional cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco have long been banned. However, the new ban does not apply to e-cigarettes, where a nicotine-containing liquid is vaporized.
Labeling requirements have also been tightened. In the future, all smoking tobacco products must be uniformly labeled with warnings – there will no longer be any exceptions.
Unanimity Amid Criticism
The amendment was unanimously adopted in the National Council. In addition to the governing parties ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, FPÖ and the Greens also agreed – the latter, however, with criticism: The ban does not go far enough, both factions argued. The Greens are also calling for a smoking ban in playgrounds and a ban on disposable e-cigarettes. Corresponding resolutions did not find a majority.
State Secretary for Health Ulrike Königsberger-Ludwig (SPÖ) announced further measures in the area of non-smoker protection: "The implementation of the EU directive is the duty, the freestyle follows in the fall."
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.