Background:
A growing number of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes enter the European markets. These products vary considerably in their properties, which results in different health impacts to users. Moreover, these products continue to evolve at a speed that may outpace current regulation.

Objective:
In Work Package 7 of JATC 2, we aim to develop a better understanding of the properties, health impact and regulatory implications of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes, to support effective information and regulation.

Methods:
To gain insight into the variation of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes between countries, and we will explore and compare product level data from the European Common Entry Gate (EU-CEG). We prepared a questionnaire about availability and regulation of these products, which was shared among EU regulators. Further in WP7, the use, abuse potential and health risks of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes will be evaluated. In addition, we will collect information on the reporting of adverse incidents associated with the use of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes across the EU. We aim to create a harmonized approach to collecting these data. Finally, we will produce information sheets and host a webinar to inform regulators about our findings.

Results:
Research questions and approaches have been defined for EUCEG data processing and evaluation of health effects. Information on availability and regulation of novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes was collected from 21 countries. As expected, due to the collective implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive, we found mostly similarities and few differences between countries. More elaborate results of this questionnaire will be presented at the symposium.

Conclusions:
WP7 activities are progressing and further outcomes will be shared throughout the duration of the project. Our results will support EU Member States’ training, capacity building and information sharing on novel tobacco products and e-cigarettes.