Legal regulations regarding new and developing nicotine and tobacco products in Turkey

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) defined the use of tobacco products as a preventable global epidemic. WHO has determined the policy topics that countries should implement to prevent this epidemic, known as MPOWER for short. It follows the activities of countries for these topics and publishes them in annual reports. As a result of the studies carried out under the leadership of WHO, the use of tobacco products by countries has decreased. The use of tobacco products, which was 32.7% in the world in 2000, is expected to decrease to 20.4% in 2025. In our country, it is predicted to decrease from 32.9% to 29.9% in the same way. Our country has successfully implemented the policy package within the scope of WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and as a result, it has become one of the two countries that fully implemented MPOWER measures at the highest level of success. Companies that manufacture and sell tobacco products have launched new products in the face of these developments. The most popular of these products are Electronic Nicotine/ Non-Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS/ENNDS) and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs). The fact that the target audience of these new products is mostly 13 years old and over and their rapid spread among young people has led to the opening of new fronts in the war against tobacco. The rapid spread of new products was influenced by the fact that their appearance was designed to attract young people, presented as an alternative to cigarettes, and created a perception of less harm. Studies have shown that these products are not harmless. WHO has stated that reducing the damage does not reduce the risk in terms of human health. The second most important factor affecting the use is the different perspectives and legal regulations of countries on these new products. While some countries have banned it, some countries have allowed its sale. This review aims to provide detailed In this review, about the legal regulations made in our country regarding novel and emerging nicotine and tobacco products.