Written question – Differentiated and evidence-based treatment of European traditional products under the Tobacco Products Directive – P-004058/2025

Priority question for written answer  P-004058/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (PPE)

The Tobacco Products Directive[1] (TPD) establishes a differentiated, evidence-led framework for the treatment of tobacco products. Targeted exemptions apply to certain product categories and can be withdrawn only when a ‘substantial change of circumstances’ is demonstrated. This keeps rules proportionate; the toughest requirements apply where consumption patterns and evidence indicate heightened public-health risks, while smaller, traditional segments that are not driving youth uptake and represent a limited share of the market are not unduly burdened, and can continue to support jobs, craftsmanship and local value in the EU economy. As also acknowledged by the Court of Justice of the EU in its judgment of 26 June 2025 in C-759/23, this framework is lawful and evidence-based[2].

• 1.Does the Commission consider that this differentiated and proportionate mechanism has functioned as intended since the TPD’s adoption?
• 2.Based on the Commission’s monitoring to date, which product categories, if any, beyond heated tobacco products, have met the conditions that warranted activating the substantial change of circumstances clause?
• 3.As it prepares updates to the EU’s tobacco rules, will the Commission maintain an evidence-based, category-specific approach, rather than a one-size-fits-all model?

Submitted: 15.10.2025

• [1] Directive 2014/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products and repealing Directive 2001/37/EC (OJ L 127, 29.4.2014, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/40/oj (http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2014/40/oj)).
• [2] Judgment of the Court of Justice of 26 June 2025, PJ Carroll & Company Ltd, Nicoventures Trading Ltd v The Minister for Health and Others, C‑759/23, ECLI:EU:C:2025:477.