The federal government’s drug commissioner, Hendrik Streeck of the CDU, defended the proposed ban on ingredients used in e‑cigarette liquids. Speaking for the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday, Streeck noted that tobacco products have long been subject to a rule forbidding especially harmful substances. “It is only logical that we apply the same standard to e‑liquid products” he said.
Streeck added that the relevant federal institute has identified 13 substances whose use poses significant health risks. “When scientific bodies uncover such evidence, the state must act” he said. “The benchmark is not the market but the protection of health”. He stressed that curbing illegal and uncontrolled markets is also essential.
In contrast, the German Cancer Aid called for even stricter measures. Board member Gerd Nettekoven told the “Rheinische Post” that the draft regulation is a long‑overdue step but falls short. He cited Finland and the Netherlands as models and urged a comprehensive ban on all flavors that increase e‑cigarettes’ appeal to children and adolescents. “Half‑hearted rules will not effectively protect young people” Nettekoven said, noting that e‑cigarettes pose a serious health risk.
The Federal Ministry of Food released a draft regulation in January that would prohibit the use of twelve cooling agents and the sweetener sucralose in e‑cigarette liquids.