Archive · 21 Aug 2025
ICMR Study: Unregulated Herbal Tobacco Products Sold Online
A new study looked at herbal products used to quit smoking that are sold online in India.
These products claim to be safer than regular cigarettes, but the study found they are not properly checked for safety.
Researchers found many different types of these products on Amazon and other sites.
Many sellers make claims about health benefits.
Experts want online stores to make sure these products are safe and for the companies to verify their health claims.
ICMR study found unregulated herbal tobacco cessation products on Indian e-commerce platforms.
Researchers identified 316 unique products across five platforms.
Many products lack regulatory oversight and make unverified health claims.
Combustible products, raw herbal preparations, and other formats were found.
The study calls for stronger oversight and claim verification.
- Who
- Researchers from ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research conducted the study.
- What
- A study assessed herbal tobacco cessation products (HTCPs) sold on Indian e-commerce platforms.
- When
- The study was recently published.
- Where
- Indian e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart were assessed.
- Why
- To assess the availability, affordability, claims, and regulation of HTCPs.
Consumers
E-commerce Platforms
Belief in Health Claims
Consumers
May believe health claims and use HTCPs to quit tobacco.
E-commerce Platforms
May not be aware of lack of regulatory oversight.
- Study Author
- ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research
- Products Identified
- 316 unique HTCPs
- E-commerce Platforms
- Amazon, Flipkart, Blinkit, JioMart, Meesho
- Product Formulations
- Combustible products (42.7%), raw herbal preparations (34.5%), other formats (22.8%)
- Products with certification claims
- 62.3%
- Products with ancillary health claims
- 43.7%
