23.4% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 12.2 million current smokers in Italy
27.1% of men are current smokers but only 19.6% of women
Smoking in Italy
The smoking prevalence in Italy has been going down steadily since 2006, with the exception of 2014-2017 where there was a 3% increase. There are approximately 12.3 million people smoking in the country. 23.4% of the adult population are current smokers, down from 31% in 2006. 27.1% of men smoke and for women the figure is 19.6%.
The most recent figures show there were 93,342 annual deaths attributable to tobacco smoking (approximately 27,500 women and 65,800 men). The annual percentage of all deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 16.85% (women: 7.9%; and men: 20.6%).
Nicotine vapes (e-cigarettes) are legal in Italy and there are 721,900 vapers in the country, giving an adult vaping prevalence of 1.37%. Vaping devices can only be sold to those 18 and older, packaging must contain a health warning and there are restrictions on the level of nicotine they can contain. Heated tobacco products are legal, but the situation is a bit more complicated for snus. While it is illegal to import snus for trade or buy the product online, it is possible to import it for personal use.
It is legal to buy nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products from pharmacies without a prescription and it can be marketed. The NRT market in Italy is worth €12.9 million.
For further information and full references, click through to the detailed datasheets above.
Deaths
93,342 people in Italy die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.
Market size of NRT.
Estimated NRT market size is 12.9 million €.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Italy
In Italy, heated tobacco products may be regulated by Law 188/2014 as smokeless tobacco products, “Tabacchi da inalazione senza combustion” (“Tobacco product for inhalation without combustion”). Also, Italian law n.6/2016, transposes Article 19 of the EU Tobacco Products Directive (covering novel tobacco products) and covers heated tobacco products. Regulations cover reporting, notifications and health warning labels.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Italy
Italy abides by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) (2014). The Italian law that implements the TPD is Legislative Decree 12 January 2016, No. 6. As such, e-cigarettes are regulated as tobacco products. Indoor vaping bans apply to governmental buildings. Recent (2018) changes in legislation have made distance sales and online sales illegal. Some online commentators fear a recent tax hike, which applies to e-cigarettes but not heated tobacco products, will discourage safer nicotine use. The Chamber of Deputies, on 13th December 2018, approved a tax decree which will reduce the current taxation on e-liquids containing nicotine for electronic cigarettes by 80%. This would reduce the current heavy taxation of almost 4 euros for a 10 ml bottle to a light taxation of 80 cents (for e-liquids containing nicotine).
Snus
in Italy
Snus is banned. Use of Snus is permitted by law in Italy.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Italy
Estimated NRT market size is 12.9 million €. In Italy you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT. Advertising NRT is allowed. You can buy NRT in Pharmacy.