Tobacco Additives and Colour Changes

Summary#

This is the Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (instrument SOR/2023-98). It makes technical changes to the list of allowed additives and how some colours are described for tobacco and vaping products. The order took effect on August 1, 2023.

What it does#

• Changes wording in item 1 of Schedule 1 from “flavouring agents” to “flavourings.”
• Updates the referenced safety list from GRAS 24 to GRAS 29 in item 1.
• Replaces item 4 wording to say that colouring agents are not allowed except where they are used to:
  • whiten filters, tipping paper, or the paper covering rolled tobacco, or
  • imitate a cork pattern on tipping paper.
• Replaces item 4.3 wording to exclude colouring agents used to:
  • whiten plug wrap paper, filters, or tipping paper,
  • make tipping paper or mouthpieces the colour drab brown (Pantone 448), or
  • imitate a cork pattern on tipping paper.
• Changes every reference from Pantone 448 C to Pantone 448.

Who's affected#

• Manufacturers and importers of cigarettes, roll‑your‑own tobacco and related components (filters, tipping paper, plug wrap, mouthpieces).
• Makers or suppliers of flavourings and colouring agents used in tobacco and vaping products.
• Regulators and inspectors who enforce the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (for example, Health Canada).
• It is not clear from the order itself whether the switch from GRAS 24 to GRAS 29 allows more or fewer flavouring substances; affected businesses may need to check the GRAS lists to see the practical impact.

Why it matters#

• These are practical, rule‑level changes that clarify which flavourings and colouring uses are allowed in tobacco and vaping products.
• Companies will need to check and possibly change ingredients or product components (filters, tips, papers) to meet the clarified exclusions and the colour standard Pantone 448.
• Consumers and retailers may notice small changes to product appearance (for example, tipping paper or mouthpiece colour) where manufacturers adjust to comply.