Spain’s Competition Authority Questions Disposable Vape Ban
Spain's CNMC questions a proposed ban on disposable vapes and stricter tobacco regulations, citing potential market competition issues and environmental concerns.Summary
Spain’s National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has raised concerns regarding the Ministry of Health’s proposed reform of the Tobacco Law, specifically questioning a planned ban on disposable e-cigarettes and the alignment of vaping products with traditional tobacco regulations. The CNMC suggests that a full ban may not be the most effective approach to address environmental concerns related to waste, proposing instead that companies be responsible for managing the disposal of their products. Furthermore, the authority warns that extending advertising restrictions to vaping products could create unfair competition, and limiting promotional discounts to 5% may stifle innovation. The CNMC recommends a product-by-product approach to regulation and coordination with ongoing EU reviews to minimize compliance costs. The commission did not address other aspects of the draft law, such as smoking bans on terraces or restrictions for minors.
(Source：2Firsts)
