In a significant move towards tobacco harm reduction, Greece has emerged as the first European Union member state to permit scientifically substantiated claims regarding the reduced health risks of smoke-free alternatives. This progressive stance is part of Greece’s comprehensive National Action Plan Against Smoking, which emphasizes harm reduction alongside prevention, cessation support, and protection from secondhand smoke.
Key Developments:
- Legislative Framework: In July 2020, Greece enacted Law 4715/2020, establishing a mechanism for the communication of reduced-risk messages for novel tobacco products. This law allows for the dissemination of scientifically validated claims about the reduced toxicity of certain smoke-free products compared to conventional cigarettes, subject to rigorous assessment by a specialized committee.
- Approved Health Claims: Following a two-year scientific evaluation, the Greek Ministry of Health approved specific health claims for Philip Morris International’s (PMI) heated tobacco products. For instance, in March 2023, the Ministry authorized the claim that “the concentration of chemical substances with known toxicity produced when using IQOS with HEETS AMBER tobacco sticks is lower compared to conventional smoking.” A similar claim was approved in January 2025 for PMI’s IQOS ILUMA with TEREA tobacco sticks. These approvals are accompanied by disclaimers emphasizing that reduced toxicity does not equate to reduced health risk and that the best choice remains to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether.
- Regulatory Oversight: The process involves a cross-ministerial committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Development & Investments, General Chemical State Laboratory, Greek Medicines Agency, Greek Society of Toxicology, and Greek Pulmonology Society. This committee evaluates the scientific evidence submitted by manufacturers to ensure that any health-related claims are substantiated and in line with public health objectives.
Implications for Public Health and Policy:
Greece’s approach reflects a balanced regulatory framework that recognizes the potential role of smoke-free products in reducing the harm associated with tobacco use. By allowing scientifically validated claims, the policy aims to inform adult smokers about less harmful alternatives, thereby supporting public health goals without compromising on safety and scientific integrity.
This model could serve as a reference for other EU countries considering similar regulatory pathways, highlighting the importance of evidence-based policies in tobacco control and harm reduction strategies.
