The ban had already been put into place by the European Tobacco Products Directive in 2014. However, menthol cigarettes could still be circulated to this day. Switzerland and Andorra have decided not to institute the ban.
According to a 2015 study, published in the scientific journal Molecular Pharmacology, menthol in combination with tobacco acts as a local anaesthetic, which reduces bodily irritation caused by smoking. As a consequence, people tend to inhale deeper and longer, which eventually increases harm. Since they are less irritable by nature, menthol cigarettes are especially attractive to young smokers.
Luxembourgish producer Heintz van Landewyck will be affected by the novel ban. Charles Lemmer, CEO of the group's Benelux and French regional management, commented: "More than 10% of the company's production will disappear."
He further noted that the group already had to register major losses due to the coronavirus measures and the closing of borders: "Over 85% of tobacco products sold in Luxembourg are not bought by residents." Sale drops are estimated to be between 50% and 60%.
