8 – 12 December 2025: 20^th WHO TobLabNet meeting and training

WHO organized a Tobacco Laboratory Network (TobLabNet) meeting, hosted by the National Institute for Public Health (NIPH) in Tokyo, Japan from 8 – 12 December 2025. Two delegates from the RIVM attended, Walther Klerx (vice-chair) and Ingrid Bakker-‘t Hart (member). With approximately 30 attendees from various countries various topics passed by on tobacco- and nicotine products. The primary aim of TobLabNet is to develop and validate chemical analytical methods for components in tobacco- and nicotine products, both in content and emissions. In the plenary meeting, issues concerning the use of more traditional tobacco products and novel nicotine products were discussed and how developed WHO TobLabNet Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) support these issues and legislation in all jurisdictions. Walther presented the application of the recently published WHO TobLabNet SOP 16 for non-targeted screening of e-liquids by GC-MS for flavourings in in e-liquids before and after vaping. Ingrid presented the application of the concept WHO TobLabNet SOP 17 for non-targeted screening of tobacco products by GC-MS for cooling substances in cigarettes and HTP sticks before and after the ban on cooling substances in The Netherlands. Development and validation of new SOPs was discussed and it was decided that the SOP for the analysis of nicotine and aldehydes in heated tobacco products (HTPs) will be validated next. Additionally to the WHO TobLabNet meeting, the NIPH organized a two-day training. The aim of this training was to prepare all the laboratories participating in the upcoming HTP testing round-robin study in 2026 on the analysis of aldehydes and nicotine in HTP emissions.

Eleventh Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP 11) 

17 - 22 of November 2025
Delegates from around the world gathered in Geneva for the Eleventh Conference of the Parties (COP11)  to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). At this gathering, representatives from 160 Parties reviewed the progress of FCTC implementation and explored new strategies to further strengthen tobacco control worldwide. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) represented the Netherlands and invited RIVM to provide relevant scientific evidence and background information to support the discussions. Charlotte Pauwels and Anne Havermans from RIVM assisted VWS in organizing a side event focused on the regulation of e-cigarettes to prevent youth uptake, where the Dutch e-cigarette flavour ban was presented alongside inspiring examples from Brazil, Belgium, Australia, and Malaysia.
In collaboration with colleagues from the Dutch Consumer Products Safety Authority (NVWA), RIVM also operated an information booth, informing international policymakers about the Dutch legislation, scientific evidence, enforcement strategies, and the impact of the flavour ban on e-cigarettes.
COP11 concluded with important decisions, including the adoption of stronger regulations to address the environmental harms caused by tobacco and nicotine product waste, increasing sustainable resources for tobacco control, and strengthening efforts to hold the tobacco industry liable for the damage it causes. Parties also supported the adoption of forward-looking control measures, encouraging actions that go beyond the requirements of the Convention.

WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation — Tenth Report

14 November 2025
The "Tenth Report of the WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation" provides the Director-General with evidence-based recommendations for Member States, aiming to strengthen global tobacco product regulation. The report synthesizes findings from eight background papers, each addressing critical aspects of tobacco and nicotine product regulation. Key topics include the protection of children and young people, the regulation of flavors, the role of sugars, the impact of cigarette filters on health and the environment, the influence of additives and design on addictiveness and toxicity, regulatory approaches to harmful chemicals in e-liquids, the complex landscape of smokeless tobacco, and the establishment of product standards.
Dr Doctor (Doctor ) Reinskje Talhout, head of RIVM's WHO Collaborating Centre on Tobacco Product Regulation and Control, co-authored the background paper on sugars. She was also present as resource expert during the 12th meeting in Barcelona, where the papers were discussed, from 10-13 December 2024, and served as a reviewer for the report. The recommendations outlined in each section, and summarized at the end of the report, are designed to enhance international coordination, facilitate the adoption of best regulatory practices, and build regulatory capacity across all WHO regions.

Forward Looking Measures in Tobacco Control: a report of the expert group

At the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a decision was taken on a recent report on forward looking measures in tobacco control. The report was written by the expert Group on Forward-looking Tobacco Control Measures (in relation to Article 2.1 of the WHO FCTC) that was established by the Conference of the Parties (COP). Dr Reinskje Talhout, head of RIVM's WHO Collaborating Centre on Tobacco Product Regulation and Control, was member of the Expert Group. The report identified and described forward-looking tobacco control measures and measures that expand or intensify approaches to tobacco control as they apply to tobacco products, and that may be contemplated within the scope of Article 2.1, taking into account the Guidelines for implementation of the WHO FCTC. Measures were proposed focusing on four domains, i.e. retail reduction, institutional structure/market, product, and consumer. Examples include birthdate-based sales restrictions (tobacco-free generation””), ending the commercial sale of tobacco industry products, reduction of brand variants, ban on additives and cigarette filters, and expansion of smoke-free environments.

13 May 2025: Webinar for World No Tobacco Day 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) convened a virtual webinar ‘Exposing lies, protecting lives: Unmask the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products’ on May 13, 2025, which aligns closely with the World No Tobacco Day 2025 (WNTD 2025) Theme. This year’s WNTD aims to raise awareness about the tactics used by the industries to increase the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products, especially to young people; reduce demand for these products, particularly among youth by exposing the tactics; and advocate for policy change by making the products less appealing.
The webinar focused on three topics: attractive flavours, carefully engineered products and product manipulation and marketing tricks. Dr. Reinskje Talhout, head of RIVM's WHO Collaborating Centre on Tobacco Product Regulation and Control, answered questions on the design features of nicotine, tobacco and related products, and participated in the panel discussion.
The webinar brought together scientists, governments, Civil Society Organizations, public health advocates and the public to unmask the appeal of tobacco and nicotine products. In total 600 participants. It presented a platform to unpack the tactics and uncover the truth behind the tobacco and nicotine products that are disguised as “fun and harmless”, to gain insight from various perspectives and to draw attention to why urgent action is needed to protect the public.

28 April 2025: Launch of first RIVM Newsletter on Tobacco and Nicotine Products

RIVM launched a brand-new Newsletter on Tobacco and Nicotine Products, designed to give information about the latest developments in this important field.
This newsletter is tailored for (inter)national scientists and policymakers, offering valuable insights into the attractive, addictive, and harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine products. It will also highlight RIVM’s cutting-edge research and activities. Our work focuses on: early detection of product developments; product use, perception and exposure; product composition and emissions; and risk assessment of tobacco and nicotine products. Additionally, we proudly host the WHO Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Product Regulation and Control and regularly contribute our expertise to international collaborations, working groups, and events.

By subscribing, you will stay up to date on key research developments, expert reflections, and opportunities to enhance collaboration and synergies within the field. We believe this newsletter will provide valuable insights to benefit your work and foster stronger connections within our community.

If you would like to receive the newsletter automatically, you can subscribe on our website.

5-10 February 2024: Tenth Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP 10)

Delegates from around the world gathered in Panama City for the 10th Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the WHO FCTC. During this meeting, representatives from 142 parties discussed the progress on implementation of the FCTC and other issues that could enhance and advance tobacco control worldwide. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) participated on behalf of the Netherlands and asked RIVM to be there to provide relevant scientific evidence and background to support the meetings. RIVM organized an information session about the attractive properties of tobacco and nicotine products and policy options to make these products less attractive. We also contributed to a WHO information session on cigarette ventilation and were present with an information booth throughout the week. Besides, RIVM officers visited the Gorgas Research Institute, with the Dutch Deputy Minister of Health. The COP10 has concluded with far-reaching decisions that will protect the environment and the health of people and strengthen guidelines on cross-border tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and the depiction of tobacco in the entertainment media. In addition, two expert groups were established: one to work on forward-looking tobacco control measures under Article 2.1 of the WHO FCTC and the other to focus on Article 19, which concerns liability.

11 – 15 December 2023: WHO TobLabNet meeting and training

WHO organized a Tobacco Laboratory Network (TobLabNet) meeting, hosted by the Masonic Cancer Centre, University of Minnesota in Minneapolis from 11 – 15 December 2023. Current and new members of TobLabNet were informed on the progress and future planning of the development of WHO Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Specific attention was given to the recently published methods for the determination of components in smokeless tobacco and the ongoing work for the measurement of flavors in e-liquids and cigarette tobacco.
Walther Klerx (RIVM), vice-chair of WHO TobLabNet, presented the progress of the SOPs for the determination of nicotine and aldehydes in the emission of Heated Tobacco Products and the determination of tobacco specific nitrosamines in waterpipe tobacco. He also presented an overview of the WHO TobLabNet procedures describing the process of method development, validation and review of TobLabNet SOPs.
Additionally to the WHO TobLabNet meeting, the University of Minnesota organized a two-day training. New WHO TobLabNet members received more information on how tobacco and tobacco related products can be tested. And Walther Klerx presented an overview of how the statistical evaluation of WHO TobLabNet SOPs can be performed. The aim of this training was to expand the global laboratory capacity for tobacco product testing by laboratories not related to the tobacco industry.

23 August 2023: Background papers to inform TobReg

RIVM wrote two background papers together with international co-authors to inform the WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation (TobReg). TobReg prepares evidence-based recommendations on the regulation of nicotine and tobacco products for the WHO technical report series. These are submitted to the Board of Directors to inform product regulation in countries. 
The first background paper presents a review of the available evidence on additives that facilitate inhalation, including the effects of nicotine salts and menthol. The second background paper covered marketing, industry strategies and regulatory considerations regarding nicotine pouches.
Both papers are published in the WHO technical report series: WHO study group on tobacco product regulation: report on the scientific basis of tobacco product regulation: ninth report of a WHO study group.

21 – 23 June 2023: Global Consultation on Novel and Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products

A Global Consultation on Novel and Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products was organised by WHO, from 21 – 23 June 2023. International experts, NGOs, Scientists and Tobacco Control Focal Points from Ministries of Health and or relevant regulatory agencies deliberated on pertinent issues and topics related to building capacity for regulation of these products. They also discussed the approaches taken to date to regulate or control these products and held a brainstorm on how to address the challenges posed by these products. Dr Reinskje Talhout, head of RIVM's WHO Collaborating Centre on Tobacco Product Regulation and Control, presented on the characteristics and science of nicotine pouches, and participated in an expert panel on this topic.

19 – 20 June 2023: Global workshop on Flavours

RIVM participated in the Global Workshop on Flavours, which was organised by WHO and held in Geneva from 19 – 20 June 2023. Tobacco control and regulatory experts from the six regions of WHO discussed regulatory issues surrounding flavoured tobacco and non-therapeutic nicotine products. They explored how flavours are being used to undermine Tobacco Control and how flavour accessories escape regulations in many jurisdictions. Dr Reinskje Talhout, head of RIVM's WHO Collaborating Centre on Tobacco Product Regulation and Control, presented our work on Flavour Accessories and Tobacco Products, as well as its Implications for Regulation. Flavour accessories are products that consumers can add to unflavoured tobacco products. Thus, the effect of flavour bans will be diminished. RIVM recommended that advertising and sales should be restricted in order to support tobacco control policies. RIVM also contributed to proposing a definition of flavouring agent that would be helpful for future regulation.

25 May 2023: World No Tobacco Day Awards 2023

Dr Reinskje Talhout is one of the winners of the 2023 World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Awards, celebrating the achievements of inspiring individuals. As the head of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Tobacco Product Regulation and Control hosted by RIVM she is a pioneer in tobacco product regulatory science who has been investigating the chemical composition and properties of tobacco products since 2004. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in the field of tobacco control, pushing the boundaries to create a healthier, tobacco-free future for all. Furthermore, Dr Talhout’s research has been instrumental in illuminating the role of flavours and other sensory factors in the attractiveness of novel tobacco and nicotine products. With contributing to a better understanding of the attractive, addictive and toxic properties of tobacco and nicotine products, she has made a significant impact.

World No Tobacco Day Awards 2023

14 March 2023: WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

RIVM was invited to support a meeting on the Implementation of Articles 9 & 10 of the WHO FCTC, which was organised by WHO and held in Egypt in March 2023. Reinskje Talhout, head of RIVM's WHO Collaborating Centre on Tobacco Product Regulation and Control, presented the Dutch experience regulating tobacco products' attractiveness, addictiveness and toxicity. After a general introduction, her presentation focused on e-liquid flavouring regulation, additives banned by the EU European Union (European Union ) Tobacco Products Directive, and nicotine pouch regulation. A lively discussion followed, giving participants the opportunity to pose questions and improve their knowledge or have a better understanding or learn from the experience of the Netherlands. 

Walther Klerx, vice-chair of WHO TobLabNet, also from RIVM, was invited to present on capacity building for testing the content and emissions of nicotine and tobacco products. This presentation provided information on challenges and good practices for regulatory tobacco product testing. Participants also received more information on practical approaches for testing tobacco products in different types of laboratories. 

With our contributions, we provided support to WHO on its work on Tobacco Product Regulation, which has the potential to significantly reduce the demand for and use of tobacco, and the resulting burden of disease by effective regulation of the contents, design features and emissions of tobacco products.

16 - 17 December 2022: Workshop on Tobacco Product Disclosures for countries

RIVM supported WHO by sharing their expertise during a workshop on Tobacco Product Disclosures for three countries in Europe to contribute to WHO’s efforts to support these countries in meeting their policy goal of strengthening implementation of Articles 9 and 10 of the WHO FCTC. The workshop took place in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 16 and 17 December 2022. RIVM participated remotely and delivered four presentations. The first presentation introduced several common tobacco product ingredients and their effects on users in terms of attractiveness, addictiveness and toxicity. The second showed the type of data provided by tobacco manufacturers in The Netherlands and some examples of how and why to use this data. The third presentation showed how more advanced analyses can be applied to identify trends and patterns in the data. The final presentation covered examples of how tobacco and e-cigarette product data is used in the Netherlands, for example, to establish a list of ingredients to be allowed in e-cigarettes. With this workshop, we aim to support the participating countries in developing their own systems for tobacco product disclosures and analyzing data provided by manufacturers.