European Commission - Single-Use Plastics Directive

A European ban on cigarette filters in the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD)

There is no reason not to ban cigarette filters in the upcoming revision of the SUPD

The Single-Use Plastic Directive (SUPD), introduced in 2019, banned single-use plastic (containing) items that were found most in litter and for which alternatives were available: cutlery, straws and stirrers and cotton buds. These measurements have had a tremendously positive impact on our streets, beaches and waters. Cigarette filters are by far the most common form of litter and they are avoidable. So why weren’t they banned then? In 2026 and 2027 the SUPD is being evaluated and revised: this time, there is no longer any reason not to implement the ban.

Current measures are far from sufficient

The SUPD tackles the ten most found items on European beaches. Measurements range from awareness raising obligations to product bans. It is an ambitious piece of legislation that is widely supported: who doesn’t want a cleaner living environment? Cigarette filters have topped European cleanup lists for many years (International Coastal Cleanup, World Cleanup Day, Boskalis Beach Cleanup tour). However, the tobacco industry, responsible for the largest form of toxic litter worldwide, came off lightly. They were only required to implement awareness-raising measures by putting markings on their packaging and to partly cover the costs for the cleaning up of their products through Extended Producer Responsibility. Although shifting responsibility from consumers and governments to producers is progress, the measurements are no real incentive for the industry to change their product. Five years after its introduction cigarette filters still top litter lists all around the continent. Or, as Arjen Kapteijns, alderman of Dutch city The Hague put it when the municipality signed the No (Plastic) Filter-call for a ban: ‘’Cigarette filters do not belong in nature. They pollute our streets, beaches, and seas. With this campaign, we are demonstrating that we are taking joint responsibility for a healthy and clean city for everyone who lives, works, and recreates here.’’

Environment, health and consumer protection

A ban on cigarette filters is both an environmental and a health issue. It is increasingly known that cigarette filters are the most found items. However, it appears to be more difficult to convince society and policymakers of the deception caused by the filter. For almost eight decades the cigarette filter has been nothing but a marketing tool to sell more cigarettes. It does not reduce health risks of smoking, while it was this belief that stood in the way of a filter ban when the SUPD was first implemented in 2019. Hence, not only policymakers working on the environment should be involved. Tobacco control organisations – like Smokefree Partnership, Stop Tobacco Pollution Alliance and ASH – have been working tirelessly repeating the facts on the deception of filters to international lawmakers in recent years. 

Growing support in Europe for a ban

The European Commission has proposed to ban cigarette filters in the context of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Several European countries, or their relevant ministers, have called for a filter ban, including the Netherlands and Belgium. Members of parliament are starting to see the necessity – and opportunity – of banning cigarette filters. The sooner, the better, as every second thousands of toxic and unnecessary cigarette filters end up in our cities and environment.

Timeline

The SUPD is evaluated and revised in 2026 and 2027, and possibly 2028: 

  • Call for Evidence: First quarter of 2026
  • Public Consultation: First quarter of 2026
  • Proposal by European Commission: 2026/2027
  • Adoption of revised SUPD: 2027/2028

No (Plastic) Filter advocates for a ban in the SUPD

The No (Plastic) Filter-team is put on the list of stakeholders which will be consulted during the Call for Evidence. We will also run a campaign to have as many people and organisations provide input to the Public Consultation. Both are expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026. After the evaluation of the results, the European Commission will send a proposal for a revision of the legislation to the European Parliament. Our team has had several meetings with members of parliament, commissioners and permanent representatives of European countries in Brussels. In January 2026 we’ve got new meetings planned with relevant policymakers on another visit to Brussels. To align our work with other environmental and health organisations, we initiated and are coordinating a special working group on cigarette filters in the SUPD.

Join the action

You can join in on the action and help pressure governments and politicians worldwide to implement a ban on cigarette filters:

Visit our Take Action-page to find more ways to help achieve a ban on cigarette filters!

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