Regulatory policy for smokeless tobacco

Domestic and international regulation of smokeless tobacco (ST) products is now possible through statutory and regulatory codes and international treaties. In spite of the improved regulatory climate, efforts directed specifically at ST have not been pursued with the zeal that has characterized the regulation of cigarettes. This chapter focuses on the legislation that enables authority to regulate ST, the challenges of regulation presented by ST products, and some key knowledge gaps and research needs that may push forward scientific-based regulation. Although there is an acknowledged demonstrable public health risk from ST use, that risk is certainly less than from cigarettes and other combustible tobacco products. Because ST products are less harmful, some may consider their use a form of harm reduction in the overall risk assessment of tobacco usage. Issues in that controversy are addressed.