A third of retailers have still not heard of the EU Tobacco Products Directive legislation, according to research from delivered wholesaler Palmer and Harvey.

It also reported that retailers believed 75% of their customers were not aware of the new legislation.

EUTPD2 will limit pack sizes to a minimum of 20 and increase health warnings on packs. Retailers have until 20 May 2017 to sell non-compliant stock.

Palmer and Harvey, in conjunction with Him research and consulting, interviewed retailers at its recent Pro-retail show, and found that 63% were concerned about the new tobacco legislation.

However, almost a quarter admitted they did not know that the minimum quantity of a pack of cigarettes would change, while 34% were unaware that roll-your-own tobacco pouches less than 30g will be banned.

Nearly half (49%) said they did not know that flavoured and menthol cigarettes will be banned in 2020.

Martyn Ward, managing director of Palmer and Harvey said: “This is a huge change to tobacco regulation and it is worrying that not all retailers are aware of the legislation yet.

“This research shows that tobacco companies and wholesalers need to ensure that retailers are fully informed about EUTPD2 as soon as possible. This is why we have set up a EUTPD2 communications team to help advise retailers during this critical time.

“We will be doing everything we can to help and support retailers through this change and minimise impact to their business.”

He added that Palmer and Harvey would be introducing of initiatives in coming months to help retailers and their customers understand EUTPD2 and how it could impact on their business, including a guide to EUTPD2 in July.

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