Spain takes aim at all cigarette alternatives under draft tobacco bill

The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved a draft bill (9/9) to amend its legislation to further tighten tobacco regulations taking aim at a wide range of cigarette alternatives.

What? The draft introduces a legal definition and specific regulation for tobacco-related products, including e-cigarettes (with or without nicotine), nicotine pouches, herbal products for smoking or inhaling, and heated tobacco devices. These products will be placed under the same restrictions as conventional tobacco.

There will be a complete ban on the sale of single-use e-cigarettes, given their growing popularity among young people, and to curb their environmental impact. Manufacturers will be given a 12-month transition period to allow existing stock to be sold.

Where? The use of these products will be prohibited in enclosed public spaces and an expanded list of outdoor environments, such as bar terraces, playgrounds, sports venues, outdoor shows and concerts, and transport stations. The legislation also forbids their sale and consumption by minors, introduces strict advertising and sponsorship bans, and requires clear signage in areas where their use is prohibited. This is in line with the Council recommendation on smoke-free environments.

Advertising: The draft bill significantly tightens the rules on advertising and sponsorship of tobacco products, targeting both direct and indirect promotion, including digital or social media or any branding linked to festivals, cultural or sporting activities, both in person and in digital environments.

Use of electronic cigarettes or similar electronic devices

The latest available date from Eurostat suggests that Spain is behind other countries in the uptake of eCigarettes.

The Spanish Health Minister, Mónica García, says that these measures respond to mounting evidence linking e-cigarette use to increased smoking risk among young people. The minister says the draft is aligned with the European Commission’s recommendation to reduce smoking prevalence, creating a ‘Tobacco-Free Generation' by 2040 (in which less than 5% of the population uses tobacco products) and part of Spain’s wider ‘Comprehensive Plan for the Prevention and Control of Smoking 2024–2027’.