Finland Tobacco-Free by 2040

Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen and Director General Pekka Puska

The government of Finland is urged to undertake policies that make Finland tobacco-free by 2040. This means that tobacco use is reduced by 10 % annually. Nowadays, around one quarter of adults uses tobacco products.

A broad range of trade unions, institutes and organizations representing influential actors of civil society call for concrete measures to support Tobacco-free Finland by 2040: families need support to raise tobacco-free generations, individuals are encouraged to quit smoking and smoking cessation is strengthened.
Siirry sivun alkuun

The aim of the Tobacco Law is to stop the use of tobacco products

The display of tobacco products and their trademarks in retail sale facilities will be forbidden in Finland. Tobacco products may not be sold or otherwise supplied to persons under 18 years, and also the import and possession of tobacco products by them is to be forbidden. Persons selling tobacco products should be aged at least 18 years.

The Act entered into force on 1 October 2010. The prohibition on display of tobacco products and the restrictions on smoking in hotel rooms will enter into force at the beginning of 2012. The sales of tobacco from vending machines should be forbidden within a transition period of four years.

The aim of the law is to limit the marketing and supply of tobacco products in particular within children's everyday life.

Sources:
Ministry of Social Affairs and Healt. Artile 20.9.2010. New Tobacco Act aims high.

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Press release 224/2010. The aim of the Tobacco Act is to put an end to smoking in Finland. http://www.stm.fi/en/pressreleases/pressrelease/view/1522179

The Tobacco Act (English translation)