The Romanian government has banned the sale of flavored heated tobacco products starting October 23, 2023. Enacted under Governmental Ordinance No. 23/2023, the law extends existing flavor prohibitions from traditional cigarettes to novel heated tobacco devices to align national legislation with European Union directives.
Expanding the Flavor Ban to Heated Tobacco
Previously, only traditional cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco faced restrictions on characterizing flavors. The new ordinance closes this gap by targeting heated tobacco products, which heat tobacco to produce a nicotine-containing emission instead of burning it.
Under the new rules, any characterizing flavor – including menthol, fruits, and herbs – is prohibited. The ban covers flavors in any component, including filters, papers, packages, and capsules. The table below outlines the shift in product regulation:
| Product Type | Pre-Ordinance Status | Post-Ordinance Status (Oct 23, 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Cigarettes | Flavors Banned | Flavors Banned |
| Roll-Your-Own Tobacco | Flavors Banned | Flavors Banned |
| Heated Tobacco Products | Flavors Allowed | Flavors Banned |
Strict Packaging and Labeling Requirements
The law introduces strict packaging mandates for heated tobacco products. Every unit packet and outer packaging must carry the warning: “Smoking kills,” alongside the message: “Tobacco smoke contains over 70 substances known to cause cancer.”
For heated tobacco products classified as smoking tobacco, combined health warnings must cover 65% of both the front and back surfaces. These warnings must feature a text warning, a corresponding color photograph, and information on smoking cessation programs, including a helpline number.
Compliance Deadlines for Industry Operators
Producers and importers must notify the Romanian Health Ministry within 90 days of the ordinance’s enactment. This notification must classify their products as either smoking tobacco or smokeless tobacco. With the deadline approaching, businesses must review their inventory and labeling practices to avoid penalties.
