Supports Nicotine Regulation Opposes The 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit

The Spanish media El Confidencial interviewed Fred Monteiro, the regional head of British American Tobacco (BAT) for the Americas and Europe. Monteiro stated that BAT supports regulatory restrictions on nicotine products, but believes that Spain’s proposed nicotine pouch upper limit of 0.99 milligrams per bag is too low and may affect adult smokers’ transition to alternative products. He emphasized that the regulation of nicotine products should be based on scientific evidence and harm reduction principles, while pointing out that BAT is promoting the transformation towards smoke-free business. Currently, non combustible products account for about 25% of its business in the Americas and Europe, and nearly 30% of its business in Europe.

Supports Nicotine Regulation Opposes The 0.99mg Nicotine Pouch Limit Key Points Overview

• Fred Monteiro, the regional head of BAT in the Americas and Europe, was interviewed by the Spanish media outlet “Confidencial.”.
• Monteiro supports nicotine content regulation but opposes Spain’s proposed limit of 0.99mg per cigarette.
• BAT believes that regulation should be based on scientific and harm reduction principles, while remaining vigilant against excessive restrictions that may drive the growth of illegal markets.
• Monteiro stated that non-combustible products account for approximately 25% of BAT’s business in the Americas and nearly 30% in Europe.
• BAT is driving the transformation from traditional cigarettes to smoke-free products.

Monteiro is responsible for BAT’s business operations in approximately 90 countries in the Americas and Europe regions. He stated that BAT supports the establishment of a clear, reasonable, and scientifically evidence-based regulatory framework for nicotine products, but believes that some excessive restrictive measures may weaken the opportunities for adult smokers to switch to alternative products.
This interview covers Spain’s proposed regulation of nicotine pouches, vape policies, experiences in different European markets, and BAT’s strategy for transitioning to a smoke-free business.

BAT supports nicotine regulation, but opposes Spain’s 0.99mg nicotine pouch restriction

Regarding Spain’s plan to set a limit of 0.99 milligrams of nicotine per bag for nicotine pouches, Monteiro stated that BAT supports setting regulatory limits on nicotine content, but believes that the standard is too low.
Monteiro stated that the relevant standards for approximately 50 markets in the Americas and Europe where BAT is located are usually within the range of 15 to 20 milligrams per bag, and stated that they are not aware of other countries using the 0.99 milligrams limit.
He believes that if nicotine levels are not sufficient to meet the conversion needs of adult smokers, consumers may not be able to complete the transition from traditional cigarettes to alternative products.
Monteiro stated that nicotine is an addictive substance and therefore supports the establishment of regulatory restrictions, but the level of regulation needs to find a balance between consumer demand and public health goals.
The above views represent the positions of Monteiro and BAT, and do not represent the final policy judgment of the Spanish government or regulatory agencies.

BAT emphasizes the path of reducing harm and calls for regulation based on science

In the interview, Monteiro presented BAT’s views on the “harm reduction” strategy.
He stated that the traditional cigarette burning process produces a large amount of harmful substances, and non burning products may reduce some of the related risks.
Monteiro cited BAT’s own research and related institutional studies, stating that compared to traditional cigarettes:

• Heating tobacco products can reduce the risk by 90% -95%;
• The risk of vapes can be reduced by over 95%;
• Nicotine pouches can reduce the risk by 99%.

These numbers are quoted by Monteiro in an interview, representing BAT’s views on product risk differences.
Monteiro also acknowledges that these products have been around for a relatively short period of time and long-term research is still ongoing. He stated that for smokers, completely quitting smoking is still the best choice; If smoking cessation is not possible, switching to smoke-free alternative products may be another option.

BAT warns that excessive restrictions may drive illegal markets

Monteiro stated that regulatory policies need to avoid pushing legitimate product demand into illegal channels.
He cited some European markets as an example, believing that excessive restrictions may lead consumers to turn to unregulated products.
Monteiro mentioned that after Germany banned the commercial sale of nicotine pouches, a large number of smuggled products appeared in the market; He also cited a Dutch study stating that a large number of local vape users use illegal market products.
These cases are all based on Monteiro’s views and quotes from interviews.
He believes that regulatory priorities should include:

• Cracking down on illegal products.
• Improve product quality standards.
• Prevent minors from coming into contact with nicotine products.

BAT promotes smoke-free transformation, with non combustible products accounting for 25% of its European and American business

Monteiro stated that BAT has a history of 125 years, but the company began promoting the transition to a smoke-free business about 15 years ago.
He revealed that currently non combustible products have accounted for BAT:

1. About 25% of the business is in the Americas and Europe;
2. The European business accounts for nearly 30%.

BAT’s current layout of smoke-free products includes:

1. Heating tobacco products.
2. Vapes.
3. New nicotine products such as nicotine pouches.

Monteiro stated that BAT’s future goal is to become a company dominated by smoke-free products, but this transformation requires the joint participation of consumers, government, and regulatory agencies.
He believes that in the future, the tobacco industry needs to find a balance between public health goals, consumer choices, and sustainable business development.

Reference: Fred Monteiro (BAT): “Apoyamos fijar límites de nicotina, pero el marco legal debe ser realista”