Modification date 04/29/2025 - 07:25
RIVM conducts research on the harmful effects of the use of tobacco and nicotine products. What impact has smoking on health, what makes tobacco and nicotine products attractive and addictive? RIVM aims to support global tobacco policymaking and enforcement of tobacco regulation.
A dedicated team conducts research to inform policymakers about tobacco and nicotine products’ attractiveness, addictiveness, and toxicity. Tobacco regulatory science supports the discouragement of tobacco use and enforcement of regulation.
Areas of expertise
RIVM focuses on:
- signalling and assessing new products and trends in additives and product design,
- composition of products and emissions,
- user behaviour and sensory perception,
- risk communication,
- risk assessment,
- policy advice.
News
Excise duty increase prompted 7% of smokers to quit in 2024, significant growth in purchases made abroad
About 7% of smokers quit after the 2024 increase in excise duty. Another 16% attempted to quit, 22% started smoking less, and 14% switched to an alternative, such as a cheaper brand of cigarettes. This is apparent from a RIVM study into the effects of this tax increase.

New nicotine sticks contain harmful amounts of nicotine
RIVM has investigated the nicotine levels coming from nicotine sticks without tobacco. The nicotine levels coming from these products were 18 to 25 times higher than the value recommended by RIVM. Above this recommended value, adverse health effects are expected for nicotine.

Newsletter on Tobacco and Nicotine Products
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