TPD3: Flavour ban threatens hookah tobacco - What does it mean for you?
Save our Shisha: Why the flavouring ban threatens hookah enjoyment
Under the new Tobacco Products Directive TPD3, all flavourings in tobacco products, including hookah tobacco, are to be banned. This means you could soon no longer be able to enjoy your favourite tobacco. This decision would be a massive setback for the hookah tobacco industry, severely limiting or even stopping consumption altogether. The impact on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco products would be enormous.
In addition to these consequences, the number of unreported cases of illegal cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah tobacco and other products in the scene would also increase. Tracing would hardly be possible and this would cast a bad light on the whole scene.
How to fight the flavouring ban on hookah tobacco
The EU has created a compliance layer with a public consultation, which can be used to prevent the flavouring ban on hookah tobacco from being enforced. To ensure that these substances are not banned, you need to register on the EU website and take part in the survey, which contains questions on tobacco products that you should answer.
We ask you to take part in this survey to help prevent the ban on flavourings.
Why hookah and flavoured hookah tobacco should be preserved
Hookah, or water pipe, is a cultural product enjoyed in many parts of the world. It symbolises hospitality, friendship and community. Here are some important reasons why hookah is so important to many people:
- A symbol of culture and tradition: hookah is a cultural product that has been enjoyed for centuries in many parts of the world. For many people, it is a way to stay connected to their heritage and cultural roots. Enjoying hookah creates a sense of belonging to a community that shares its values and traditions.
- A social outlet: For many people who do not consume alcohol for cultural or religious reasons, hookah is a social outlet. Similar to alcohol consumption for Westerners, hookah provides a way for people to meet and socialise in a relaxed and friendly environment. This social aspect of hookah is one of the reasons why it has become so popular in recent years.
- A unique and special experience: hookah is not consumed on a daily basis, but enjoyed on special occasions or when people want to relax. This makes it a unique and special experience that people look forward to and appreciate.
- Protection from further restrictions: The hookah industry is made up of many small and medium enterprises, many of which are family-run. These businesses are an important part of the community and provide employment opportunities for many people. If the availability of hookah flavours is restricted, many businesses could close and people could lose their jobs. In addition, restricting the availability of hookah could lead to the growth of the black market, which not only harms legitimate businesses, but can also be dangerous for consumers.
In summary, hookah is an important cultural product that holds a special place in the hearts of many people. Its unique cultural significance, social aspect and variety of flavours make it a valuable and valued experience. It is important to protect the hookah industry from further restrictions as any attempt to limit its availability could have detrimental effects on businesses as well as people who depend on them. We need to preserve this wonderful product for future generations.
