Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Europe debate: mandated reduction of nicotine in tobacco products is not the logical next step

The 2025 Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco (SRNT) Europe debate proposed that “Mandated reduction of nicotine in tobacco products is the logical next step.” To argue against this motion, we divided it into 3 parts: (1) mandated reduction of nicotine; (2) in tobacco products; (3) is the logical next step. A nicotine reduction mandate is generally defined as limiting the level of nicotine to one that would be incapable of creating or sustaining addiction. To date, no country has implemented a nicotine reduction mandate in cigarettes or other tobacco products, although it has been proposed in the US and passed but subsequently repealed in Aotearoa/New Zealand due to a change in government. Evidence from trials suggests that reducing the nicotine in cigarettes to non-addictive levels reduces cigarette consumption among people who currently smoke.1–4 It will also likely prevent future generations becoming addicted to cigarettes. However, there are key issues with the policy and evidence base surrounding it.