In December 2023 law no. 110/2023 was approved by Alþingi on amendments to law no. 6/2002 on tobacco control. The law includes the implementation of The European Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) and will lead to many changes in the trade in tobacco products and herbal products for smoking.
The new law took effect on January 11th 2024 but some provisions of the law will take effect later. That deadline is for 6, 12, 16 or 48 months. The law states that that the Ministry of Health will issue new regulations that provide more detail on certain aspects, and older regulations may also be expected to change.
Key dates
- July 11th 2024
The deadline for submitting information about products on the market to ÁTVR expires (Article 6, paragraph 1, point b).
Note: all data should be delivered through tobaksskyrslur@atvr.is OR at Studlahals 2, 110 Reykjavik, for copy (e.g. on a USB drive).
- January 11th 2025
Provisions on labeling and packaging come into effect (Article 6, point d)
- May 11th 2025
Provisions on traceability, registration and security come into effect (Article 6 points e, f and g)
- January 11th 2028
Provisions on ingredients and characteristic flavors (including menthol) take effect (Article 6, point c)
Track and Trace
One of the main changes that the new law will bring is that all unit packets of tobacco products that will be sold in Iceland must be marked with a unique identifier. This will make it possible to track the product's journey from the manufacturers to the first retailer. Thus, manufacturers, importers, distributors and wholesalers need to scan products in and out to confirm which product is in which place and when.
The arrangement of the track and trace and how it relates to ÁTVR will be presented in more detail later.
Enforcement
ÁTVR has been entrusted with the task of overseeing the implementation and supervision of certain aspects of the law. That includes for example reporting of ingredients and emissions, characteristic taste, labeling and packaging, traceability, registration and safety factors.
The law specifies how ÁTVR can carry out its role as a regulator, which includes the authority to demand information, inspect products and take samples of products for research. ÁTVR can impose reprimands and daily fines for violations of rules, as well as recall products or ban sales if this is deemed necessary. In addition, ÁTVR can seize and dispose of products if deemed necessary. The new law also gives ÁTVR the authority to impose administrative fines as well as the authority to collect fees for certain projects.
ÁTVR encourages stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the regulatory framework. Manufacturers, importers and distributors are particularly encouraged to contact their suppliers regarding the changes. Links to the main laws and regulations can be found below.
More information will be published on the web in the coming weeks and months.
Law no. 110/2023 on amending the act on tobacco control
Law no. 6/2002 on tobacco control
Directive 2014/40/EU on the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products
Directive 2014/109/EU on pictorial warnings on tobacco products
Stakeholder Manual – Systems of traceability and security features tobacco products in the EU (in English)
Introductory meeting 15.03.2024
Changes to the rules on warning labels and the appearance of tobacco products can be expected. A new regulation regarding this is being developed in the Ministry of Health and can be viewed at the governments consultation portal.