The Environmental Health Directorate said in a statement today that it has noticed that advertising of electronic cigarettes is on the increase and that this advertising and the claims being made go contrary to established legislation.

The Directorate wishes to remind all stakeholders that although products and smoking devices (simulating cigarettes or tobacco) such as electronic cigarettes are not illegal, their advertising and use is regulated by L.N. 22 of 2010 (URL: http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/legalnotices/2010/01/LN 22.pdf ) which makes it clear that in terms of advertising and use in public places, these items are considered as tobacco products.

Furthermore, stakeholders’ attention is drawn to the fact that in line with World Health Organisation recommendations, unproven claims on the efficacy of electronic cigarettes in reducing tobacco addiction are not to be made. (URL: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/releases/2008/pr34/en/index.html).

For further information, the public is kindly requested to contact the Health Inspectorate Services between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on telephone number 21337333, or by calling personally at its offices at 37-39, Rue D’Argens, Msida or by email mhi@gov.mt

The public is also being invited to access the Directorate’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Environmental-Health-Directorate-Malta/145027878928626 for similar information.

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