Spain: CNMC releases report on Tobacco regulation

Spanish competition regulator CNMC has published a report on the Royal Decree Project (PRD) which regulates the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and all related products.

In general terms, the CNMC has criticised the decree for lacking a wide, comprehensive analysis of the totality of public policy currently applicable to the tobacco sector (including tax policy, supply and demand measurements, information campaigns, etc.). The situation is worsened by the fragmentation found in the various agencies in charge of enforcing these norms.

The report goes on to recommend that the government evaluate the procedures for authorizing laboratories involved in verifying and carrying out quality control duties, with due regard to the principles of economic efficiency. It also recommends reinforcing non-discrimination safeguards to protect foreign laboratories. The agency also advises a strengthening of safeguards to ensure the independence of the studies demanded of manufacturers and import businesses. Finally, the agency recommends a reevaluation of the restrictions on the promotion and advertising of tobacco products, which help maintain the status quo and represent a significant barrier for new competitors.

Full content: CNMC

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