New tobacco bill proposed in Cyprus

Cyprus’ cabinet has approved new smoking regulations that are to be submitted by the health ministry to parliament, according to a Cyprus Mail story.

The proposed bill incorporates regulations that are included in the EU’s revised Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and a number of national initiatives.

The revised TPD became applicable in EU member states on May 20.

The provisions of the bill aimed at harmonizing national legislation with the TPD call for, among other things combined graphic and textural health warnings covering 65 percent of the front and back of cigarette and roll-your-own tobacco packs.

They prohibit the sale of cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco with characterizing flavors, and they require tobacco manufacturers to submit detailed reports to the health ministry on the ingredients used in tobacco products.

They disallow the sale of tobacco packs containing fewer than 20 cigarettes and less than 30 g of fine-cut.

And they provide for safety and quality requirements for consumer electronic cigarettes.

As part of the national initiatives, the cabinet proposes the prohibition of smoking and vaping in workplaces, hospitals and schools, including open spaces within these facilities.