For discussion
on 22 July 1986
ANNEX C TO XCR (86) 188
XCC(86)129 Copy No
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
SMOKELESS TOBACCO
Introduction
The purpose of this memorandum is to seek Members' advice in principle on whether the importation, sale and manufacture of all orally taken smokeless tobacco products should be prohibited.
Background
2
Smokeless tobacco includes both chewing tobacco and snuff. The latter can be further differentiated into dry snuff which is normally sniffed through the nose, and moist snuff which is taken in the mouth. The traditional use of both types of product in industrialized countries has declined in modern times, but in recent years a special type of chewing tobacco has been marketed successfully, particularly among young people.
3
a
In 1983 the US Tobacco Co. launched a product known as Skoal Bandits. It consists of moist tobacco, together with a variety of sweeteners, flavourings and scents,
in a small teabag-like sachet which is placed between cheek and gum and sucked. The product has been marketed as
"healthy" alternative to smoking, as an acceptable, youthful but manly habit, and as a product which enhances athletic performance. The group which responded most eagerly were teenage boys. In an industry survey in the same year Skoal
same year Skoal Bandits was ranked as the third most recognized brand name of any tobacco product in the United States, the first time a non-cigarette had achieved such status. Studies in the United States found that some children had started using Skoal Bandits at 8 or 9 years of age, and there is evidence that many young users switch to cigarettes as they become older.
4
US Tobacco has also launched Skoal Bandits successfully in the UK and opened a factory in Scotland in July 1985 to produce the product. The company opened regional headquarters in Hong Kong in February 1985 and on 21 May this year applied to the Commissioner
the Commissioner of Customs and Excise for permission to enter a quantity of Skoal Bandits samples. No permit has yet been issued and further information on the composition of the product is being requested from the trader for analysis.