Armenian government orders to remove tobacco substitutes from shelves

YEREVAN, Feb. 10. /ARKA/. The Armenian government approved today a decision that restricts the display, circulation and use of tobacco substitutes.

Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan said the decision stems from a 2020 government –approved plan to restrict use of tobacco products and substitutes, which is being enforced in phases.

"According to the requirements of the law on the reduction and prevention of harm to health from the use of tobacco products and their substitutes, technical regulations for the safety of tobacco substitutes must also be established, so that we can regulate substitutes in the same way we regulate tobacco products," he said.

According to the minister, the government's task is to respond as quickly as possible to extend the technical regulations to all new tobacco substitutes.

"The decision restricts the display, circulation and use of tobacco substitutes. This is the most important investment in human capital, in particular, in people's health," the minister said.

Kerobyan said that according to the decision, which enters into force the next day after the official publication, all substitutes must be removed from the shelves.

Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan cited statistics which say the country has a fairly high mortality rate from non-communicable (cardiovascular, cancer) diseases, caused also by smoking.

"All these restrictions are aimed at preserving people's health as well as protecting our new generation, young people from such bad habits," she noted.

From January 1, 2022, a ban on displaying cigarettes and vapes in commercial outlets and public catering facilities came into force in Armenia.

On March 15, 2022, smoking will be banned in all types of outdoor and indoor cafes and restaurants. -0-