Market surveillance ensures that tobacco and other related products on the EU market do not endanger European consumers. It also ensures the protection of other public interests such as the environment, security and fairness in trade. It includes actions such as product withdrawals, recalls and the application of sanctions to stop the circulation of non-compliant products and/or bring them into compliance.

Market surveillance is crucial for the smooth functioning of the single market. It helps protect

• consumers against unsafe products and general non-compliance
• businesses from unfair competition by those who ignore the rules

Tobacco use is a highly addictive behaviour which is responsible for a significant amount of ill-health and the leading cause of preventable death in the World. Around 500 people die each year in Malta from tobacco use and second hand smoke. Smoking increases the risk of heart and vascular diseases, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, lung cancer and other types of cancer as well as increasing the risk of infertility. All of these health effects are avoidable. Quitting smoking is probably the greatest single step you can take to improve your health.

The Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate offers Tobacco cessation services. Phone the Freephone 80073333 to get professional help to help you quit smoking.