The measurement method used to measure the tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide emissions of filter cigarettes does not need to be adjusted for the time being. That is the final verdict in the enforcement case that Youth Smoking Prevention started in 2018. It is now up to the European Commission to bring about change in the current practice.

In an advice to the European Court, the Advocate General sees no possibility for legal entities such as Youth Smoking Prevention to require an alternative measurement method for tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke. But he does want to discuss whether the existing standard is valid.

The European Commission must take action to curb the rigged cigarette. That was the tenor at the hearing of the European Court of Justice in the enforcement case that the Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation started in 2019. The Advocate General will share his conclusion on 10 July.

On 10 March, the European Court of Justice will hear the questions posed in the context of the appeal in the enforcement case concerning the rigged cigarettes, initiated by Youth Smoking Prevention Foundation.

The so-called ‘rigged cigarette’ is far more harmful and addictive than legally allowed and should therefore be removed from stores. After all, public health must be the legislator's primary concern in this context.

The legal battle over the rigged cigarette is not over yet. The Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal once again refers the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg.

On Thursday June 8, the Dutch Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (CBb) will hear the appeal in the case in which Youth Smoking Prevention demands that the government take steps against the rigged cigarette and manipulation of cigarette emissions measurements. The session starts at 10 a.m., lasts until 5 p.m. and can be followed via a live stream.

The Rotterdam court last week has ruled that the ‘rigged’ cigarette is illegal and that the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA in Dutch) must take enforcement action.

The Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg enables the Dutch administrative court to put an end to the ‘rigged’ cigarette. That is in essence the ruling that the Court made on Tuesday 22 February 2022 in a case that Youth Smoking Prevention, the Municipality of Amsterdam and 15 healthcare organizations have brought against the government.