The European Commission today will unveil its proposal for a “substantial revision” of the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), the European Union press office announced.

Among measures expected in the document are larger warnings covering 75 per cent of the front and back of cigarette packs, and a ban on flavours. The Directive has regulated the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products in the 27 EU member states since 2001.
Action by the Commission, the EU’s permanent executive body, will set in motion a lengthy process of approval. The Commission proposal is subject to approval by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers, the latter body comprised of EU national leaders. (ci)