Tobacco: manufacture, presentation and sale of products (recast of Directives 89/622/EEC, 92/41/EEC, 90/239/EEC)

The European Parliament in its first reading adopted the report drafted by Jules MAATEN (ELDR, Netherlands) amending the proposal for the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products. The principal amendments are as follows: -as of 31 December 2003, no ammonia or ammonia compounds shall be added to cigarettes released for free circulation, marketed or manufactured in the Member States. -the tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields of cigarettes shall be printed on one side of the cigarette packet so that at least 30% of the corresponding surface is covered. This figure is raised to 35% for countries with two official languages and 40% for countries with three official languages. -the list of ingredients for each product must be freely accessible, for example, from web sites and health experts. -each packet of tobacco products, except for smokeless and oral tobacco products must carry an obligatory warning: "Passive smoking harms those around you, especially children" together with one of a specified list of general warnings. An additional warning from Annex I must also be printed. The list in Annex I is extended by the Parliament. At the end of the warning, a free telephone number of an independent service must be given, which can provide detailed information on the dangers of smoking. Member States must set up such a service, if one does not exist. -the general warning must cover not less than 35% of the external area of the corresponding surface of the packet, raised to 37% where thee are two official languages and 40% where there are three. the additional warning will cover not less than 45% of the external area of the corresponding surface of the packet, rising to 47% for countries with two official languages and 50% for countries with three. -there are additional amendments on the size of the warnings for packaging of pipe tobacco and cigars, as well as special conditions for vending machines. -the report on ingredients from manufacturers and importers of tobacco products must be supplied annually, and the requirements for the contents of the report are more carefully specified. provisions for testing of ingredients and dissemination of data are made, -the use of such terms as 'low tar' and 'light' are prohibited; Member States do not have the power expressly to authorise them. -the contents of the report on the application of this directive are more tightly specified.�