Novel and emerging tobacco products are the subject of a new WHO report that looks at a range of issues, from the harm caused by toxic ingredients and nicotine exposure to how new nicotine and tobacco products are aggressively marketed to potential users.

The WHO study group on tobacco product regulation aims to inform policy-makers of these products’ scientific background and urges them to bridge the regulatory gaps for new nicotine and tobacco products. These include electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), electronic non-nicotine delivery systems (ENNDS) and heated tobacco products (HTPs).
One of the main recommendations in the new report is that policy-makers should maintain focus on evidence-based measures to reduce tobacco use, as outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). This includes novel and emerging tobacco products, which are being pushed by the tobacco industry.
The report also highlights the following recommendations:
• to apply the most restrictive tobacco control regulations to HTPs (including the devices), as appropriate under national laws, taking into account a high level of protection for human health;
• to prohibit all manufacturers and associated groups from making claims about reduced harm of HTPs, as compared to other products;
• to ensure that the public is well informed about the risks associated with using HTPs, including the risks of dual use with conventional cigarettes and other smoked tobacco products;
• to rely on and support independent data and research on the health impact of using heated tobacco products;
• to require tobacco manufacturers to disclose all product information;
• to ban all commercial marketing of e-cigarettes and HTPs, including in social media and through organizations funded by and associated with the tobacco industry;
• to prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes in which the user can control device features and liquid ingredients; and
• to prohibit the addition of pharmacologically active substances such as cannabis and tetrahydrocannabinol (in jurisdictions where they are legal) to e-cigarettes.