RIVM has measured tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (TNCO) levels for 100 brands of cigarettes on the Dutch market using the Canadian Intense (CI) method. These levels have been compared with the TNCO levels declared by manufacturers and measured by them using the ISO method. According to RIVM, the CI method provides a better approximation of what a smoker actually inhales.

Besides nicotine, tobacco smoke contains over 6,000 other chemicals. Many of these substances are detrimental to one’s health and can lead to chronic lung conditions (such as COPD), cancer and cardiovascular disorders. In the Netherlands, roughly 20,000 people die each year as a result of smoking. On average smokers die five to ten years younger than non-smokers.

Cigarettes with minuscule holes in the filter paper have been making the headlines recently. These ventilated filter cigarettes are at least as harmful as cigarettes without filter ventilation holes. The quantities of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide (abbreviated to ‘TNCO’) that are determined using the standard measurement method prescribed by the EU are in fact lower than those inhaled by smokers. This type of cigarette has been named ‘sjoemelsigaret’ (cheating cigarette) by the Dutch media. What are the consequences of the holes in the filter paper for smokers?

Suppliers of tobacco products, herbal products for smoking, e-cigarettes and refill containers should provide information about their products.

Here you will find answers to many questions about submitting information about tobacco products, herbal products for smoking, e-cigarettes and refill containers.

Additives are substances intentionally added to tobacco products by tobacco industry in order to render toxic tobacco products palatable and acceptable to consumers. On this webpage, you will find general information on tobacco additives and links to fact sheets on 14 selected additives.