EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/418

(2004/C 78 E/0439)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2711/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(11 September 2003)

Subject: Free-base nicotine

American scientists from the University of Oregon (Oregon Health and Science University) have measured the free-base nicotine content of cigarettes. The tobacco industry has so far refused to make these figures public. Free-base nicotine causes the addiction to cigarettes. The higher the free-base nicotine content, the quicker smokers get their nicotine kick. According to the researchers, some brands are up to 20 times more addictive than others. The American brand American Spirit, for instance, contains 36 % of free-base nicotine. The Marlboro brand contains 10 % free-base nicotine, Gauloises Blondes 7,5 % and in Camel cigarettes researchers found 2,7 % free-base nicotine.

Is the Commission aware of this research?

What conclusions does it draw from this new data?

What does the Commission think of the Netherlands proposal that tobacco manufacturers should be required to publish all their ingredients? Does the Commission support the proposal that cigarette packets should indicate which ingredients are addictive?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 October 2003)

Yes, the Commission is aware of the tobacco industry's pursuit to invent new ingredients and additives for tobacco products in order to make them more addictive.

The issue is dealt with in Directive 2001/37/EC of the Parliament and the Council of 5 June 2001 on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products (Tobacco Products Directive) (1). The provisions of the Directive address the issues raised by the Honourable Member.

First, Article 12 of the Directive establishes that the Commission is invited to submit to the Parliament and to the Council a proposal for a common list of ingredients authorised for tobacco products, taking into account, inter alia, their addictiveness. This proposal is due by the end of 2004.

Second, according to Article 11, the Commission shall submit to the European Parliament, the Council and the Economic and Social Committee a report on the application of the Directive. The report should, among other things, include an evaluation of the addictive effects of those ingredients which encourage addiction. The first report is due by the end of 2004.

Third, according to Article 6, the Member States shall require manufactures and importers of tobacco products to submit them a list of all ingredients, and quantities thereof, used in the manufacture of those tobacco products by brand name and type. The Member States must ensure the dissemination of this information with a view to informing consumers. In doing this, trade secrets must be protected.

Four, according to Article 5, cigarette packets must indicate the tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide yields. The issue of what kind of information on ingredients should be placed on cigarette packets is a very controversial one taking into account, inter alia, the fact that there are more than 600 different ingredients in a cigarette. The Commission intends to make careful analysis of the situation before submitting a proposal providing for a common list of ingredients authorised for tobacco products.

Finally, the Commission would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Member to the fact that also the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) includes provisions on the issue that are quite similar to those of the Tobacco Products Directive.

(1) OJ L 194, 18.7.2001.