We ask the authorities to update the National Tobacco Control Law

We sent to national authorities of the Executive and Legislative Power a document with legal arguments and scientific evidence that support the need to update the national law No. 26,687 of regulation of advertising, promotion and consumption of products made with tobacco. In this note we tell you what we ask of them and why.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

Law No. 26,687 is already more than 10 years old, and the need to update it in light of the marketing strategies of the tobacco industry and the new products it develops is evident. According to the World Survey on Tobacco in Young People in Argentina, carried out in 2020, tobacco consumption produces 44,851 annual deaths, representing 13% of total deaths and that still, more than 22% of the population consumes tobacco, being the age of initiation, which is already between 12 and 15 years, is decreasing.

For this reason, we send a report with key information to the Nation’s Minister of Health -Carla Vizzotti-, to the block presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, and to various legislators from commissions related to the subject, explaining why what is this update needed.

The World Health Organization warns that while many countries have made significant progress in regulating traditional tobacco products, there are many others that are novel (such as heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, better known as vapers). ), and continue without being properly regulated, making their way through the population, especially in children and adolescents. The WHO adds that these products are not only harmful to health, but also work as an incentive for young people to start consuming traditional cigarettes.

On the other hand, we transmitted to the Minister and the legislators information about the legal loopholes that the current law has, and that are exploited by the tobacco industry to avoid advertising, promotion and sponsorship prohibitions. For this same reason, we suggest a series of measures that should be included in the standard, such as the absolute and explicit prohibition of all types of advertising -including display at points of sale-, as well as its effective control to avoid violations, and ultimately, get them sanctioned.

We bet on the political will and the strengthening of public policies to improve the standards of protection of the right to health. A strong and thriving industry like the tobacco industry requires a State that is present and willing to watch over the interests and rights of the population.

 

More Information

• An industry that does not give up – Fundeps
• Global Youth Tobacco Survey in Argentina – Ministry of Health of the Nation
• WHO reports on progress in fighting the tobacco epidemic – World Health Organization
• Do not smoke the story: the forms changed but the strategies did not – Fundeps
• Don’t let the steam cover your smoke – Fundeps

Author

Sofía Armando

Contacto

Maga Merlo, magamerlov@fundeps.org