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Smoking in Italy

In Italy, smoking is legal but tobacco products are subject to national tobacco control regulations. Cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products and may be sold through retail outlets, online platforms, and vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is allowed with a license. However, health warnings on packaging are required, the minimum legal age for purchase is 18 years, and there are no legal restrictions on smoking in public places. A comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising is in place. Cigarettes are taxed at a total rate of 76.69%, with an excise component of 7.42%. Smoking remains a significant public health issue in Italy. In 2024, there were approximately 10.6 million current smokers, representing an adult smoking prevalence of 20.3%. In the same year, smoking prevalence was higher among males (23.8%) than among females (16.9%). In 2022, the adult smoking prevalence was reported to be 20.4%. In 2023, the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was reported to be 18.7%, with an estimated 12.6 million daily smokers. Mortality data show that in 2021, smoking caused 61,365 deaths in Italy, including 45,844 deaths among males and 15,521 deaths among females. Overall, tobacco smoking accounted for 8.78% of all deaths in the country in 2021. These figrures represent 13.47% of all male deaths and 4.33% of all female deaths, demonstrating the substantial health burden associated with cigarette smoking in Italy.

Read articles from Italy

August 05, 2026 by clearingtheair.eu

Ireland’s de facto vape flavour ban delayed after Italy and Greece object

Ireland’s de facto vape flavour ban has hit a pause because other EU countries are asking the proportionality question. Italy and Greece’s objections highlight a wider concern: whether national restrictions on safer nicotine products can be justified when they may reduce adult switching and fragment the single market. Youth protection remains important, but it should be pursued through targeted enforcement rather than broad measures that remove useful alternatives. A delay is not a defeat for public health; it is a chance to get the policy right.

July 31, 2026 by 2firsts.com

Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns

Italy and Greece challenge Ireland's proposed strict regulations on nicotine products, citing concerns about EU market coordination. The dispute centers on balancing public health goals with market harmonization. Ireland aims to enhance controls on vapes and nicotine pouches, focusing on marketing, packaging, and sales restrictions. This conflict highlights the evolving fragmentation of European nicotine regulations, affecting companies operating across the region. The objections emphasize the need for harmonizing national rules with EU frameworks. The debate underscores the challenges of aligning public health objectives with single market principles in the nicotine industry.

July 31, 2026 by 2firsts.com

Italy and Greece Oppose Ireland’s Nicotine Product Bill, Raising EU Regulatory Concerns

Italy and Greece challenge Ireland's proposed strict regulations on nicotine products, citing concerns about EU market coordination. The dispute centers on balancing public health goals with market harmonization. Ireland aims to enhance controls on vapes and nicotine pouches, focusing on marketing, packaging, and sales restrictions. This conflict highlights the evolving fragmentation of European nicotine regulations, affecting companies operating across the region. The objections emphasize the need for harmonizing national rules with EU frameworks. The debate underscores the challenges of aligning public health objectives with single market principles in the nicotine industry.

April 10, 2026 by 2firsts.com

Italy Formally Submits Detailed Opinion to EU Obstructing Ireland's Disposable Vape Ban

Italy has formally opposed Ireland’s proposed ban on disposable vapes within the EU framework. The move reflects growing tensions among member states over how to regulate vaping products. Italian authorities argue that such restrictions could disrupt the internal market and create unintended consequences. Concerns also include the potential rise of illegal trade and reduced consumer access to regulated alternatives. The dispute underscores divisions within the EU on tobacco harm reduction policy.

April 10, 2026 by 2firsts.com

Italy Formally Submits Detailed Opinion to EU Obstructing Ireland's Disposable Vape Ban

Italy has formally opposed Ireland’s proposed ban on disposable vapes within the EU framework. The move reflects growing tensions among member states over how to regulate vaping products. Italian authorities argue that such restrictions could disrupt the internal market and create unintended consequences. Concerns also include the potential rise of illegal trade and reduced consumer access to regulated alternatives. The dispute underscores divisions within the EU on tobacco harm reduction policy.

October 22, 2025 by nypost.com

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni jokes she’d ‘kill someone’ if she was forced to quit smoking: ‘Impossible’

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni joked about potentially "killing someone" if she had to quit smoking during the Gaza peace summit in Egypt. She bantered with world leaders like Turkish President Erdogan, who urged her to quit. Meloni revealed she restarted smoking after 13 years. Despite President Trump's compliments on her appearance, Meloni has gained respect for her political success. As Italy's first female prime minister, she plays a crucial role in mediating between the EU and the US, notably during Ukraine war negotiations.

February 28, 2025 by news-medical.net

Vaping while pregnant isn't harmless—study uncovers risks to newborn lung health

Vaping during pregnancy poses risks to fetal lung development due to nicotine, oxidative stress, and inflammatory effects. E-Cig aerosols contain toxins that can harm newborns, impacting lung growth and increasing the risk of respiratory issues. With up to 15% of pregnant women using E-Cigs, urgent research is needed to understand its long-term effects. Nicotine exposure alters lung development pathways, while solvents and flavors contribute to lung damage. Preventative measures include cessation programs and stricter regulations. Awareness campaigns are crucial to address misconceptions about E-Cig safety and protect infant respiratory health.

January 03, 2025 by france24.com

Milan says no to all outdoor smoking in Italy's toughest ban

Milan imposed a strict smoking ban in public areas, excluding e-cigarettes, with fines ranging from 40 to 240 euros. The ban aims to improve air quality and protect citizens, including children, from passive smoking. Some residents support the ban to combat pollution, while others feel it limits personal freedom. Italy has a history of smoking bans, with Milan joining other European cities in the effort. Smoking-related deaths are high in Italy, prompting ongoing tobacco control measures. The ban aligns with global efforts to reduce smoking rates and combat health risks associated with tobacco.

November 20, 2024 by clearingtheair.eu

EXCLUSIVO: Las propuestas de prohibición del vapeo en la UE carecen de una “base científica sólida”, dicen los gobiernos de Italia y Rumania.

Italy and Romania criticize the EU proposal to ban vaping in public spaces, stating it lacks a solid scientific basis. They plan to ignore parts they disagree with in the recommendation to EU members. The lack of an adequate impact assessment is also criticized. They emphasize the importance of consensus and proper consideration of national concerns. Italy and Romania argue that the broad measures for outdoor areas lack scientific backing and legal foundation. The adopted recommendation does not impose legal obligations on member states and should not set regulatory precedents for tobacco policy discussions. Both countries maintain political concerns about certain recommendations.

September 19, 2024 by tobaccoreporter.com

Italian Lawmakers Examine Tobacco Legislation

Italian lawmakers are investigating the country's taxation and concessions for tobacco and next-gen products. The Chamber of Deputies' finance committee is engaging with tobacconist and vapor industry representatives, recognizing the nicotine sector as a significant player. Sales shifts have prompted adjustments in tax regulations, such as extending duties to noncombustible tobacco products and e-liquids. The committee aims to evaluate compliance with EU rules, combat illicit trade, and address the €1 billion illegal market impacting state revenue. The inquiry must conclude by December 31, 2024.

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