The Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) lays down rules relating to the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products (other smoking products, vaping products). While it does not establish a marketing authorisation system, the Directive requires manufacturers and importers to declare these products to the competent authorities of the Member States before they can be marketed. Their composition, emissions, toxicological data on the ingredients, in-depth studies for certain additives and market data must be provided. As part of the transposition of this Directive into French law, ANSES has been tasked with collecting and analysing this information. This mission falls within the general framework of the Agency's health protection activities, especially the work carried out in the area of chemicals, consumer products and the risks associated with air quality.

The term chemical contaminants covers natural or synthetic substances found in foods. These can be substances used during the production and processing of foodstuffs, or substances present in the environment either naturally or as a result of pollution. Here we explain the role played by ANSES in managing this issue.