Tobacco legislation in Malta : a short overview

Abstract

The aim of this article is to briefly describe legislation dealing with tobacco control in Malta. Although no actual strategy on tobacco control is in place to date, Malta’s tobacco control approach is mainly based on comprehensive legislation arising mostly from of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Malta’s ratification of this international WHO treaty was instrumental in the passing of such legislation of which the most important features are banning of all tobacco advertising and sponsorship, and the prohibition of smoking in public and work places. EU Regulations, most importantly Directive 2014/40/EU on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products and repealing Directive 2001/37/EC, was also contributory to the introduction of stronger packaging regulations and new regulatory frameworks for the control of electronic cigarettes and new and emerging tobacco products under the classification of novel tobacco products. While increases in excise tax is generally regarded as an effective tobacco control measure, tobacco control legislation also plays an important role in a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. Bans on tobacco advertising, bans on smoking in public and work places and pictorial health warnings on packaging denormalise smoking and are likely to make other tobacco control interventions more effective.