The Belgian-Luxembourg Tobacco Association and Philip Morris International work together to strengthen the ban on tobacco sales to minors

The Belgian-Luxembourg Tobacco Association and Philip Morris International work together to strengthen the ban on tobacco sales to minors

The Belgian-Luxembourg Tobacco Association and Philip Morris Benelux have teamed up to curb youth exposure to tobacco and e-cigarette products, emphasizing that tobacco consumption should be a voluntary decision made by adults.

According to Tageblatt on December 18, Cimabel, the Belgian-Luxembourg Cigarette Manufacturers Association, and Philip Morris Benelux have jointly launched a new initiative to prevent young people from accessing tobacco and vaping products.

The statement pointed out that these products are "designed for adult consumers" and "minors should stay away from these products." Tobacco consumption should be "an informed decision made by adults with a full understanding of the associated risks."

Cimabel said the campaign is aimed at retailers and consumers. It is planned to visually remind everyone of the ban at the point of sale. The initiative includes stickers, digital information and reminders to retailers to prevent the sale of tobacco products to those under 18.

According to the 2023 Luxembourg Annual Ilres Tobacco Prevalence Survey, 27% of young people aged 16 to 24 said they use traditional cigarettes, compared with 24% in 2022. In 2022, the proportion of e-cigarette consumption in this age group is 21%, and it will rise to 36% in 2023.

Cimabel is the Belgian-Luxembourg cigarette manufacturers association, and British American Tobacco (BAT), Japan Tobacco (JT), Imperial Tobacco (IMB) and others are members of the association.

Philip Morris International (PMI) has three main subsidiaries in the Benelux countries: Philip Morris Benelux BVBA, Philip Morris Investments B.V. and Philip Morris Luxembourg Sarl.