WHO TobLabNet SOP 12 – Standard operating procedure for determination of nicotine content in smokeless tobacco products

Overview

WHO TobLabNet SOP12 is a new standard operating procedure (SOP/analytical method) for measuring nicotine in smokeless tobacco products. It is a WHO Global Public Health Good, to support countries in strengthening nicotine and tobacco product regulation, and thus the implementation of Articles 9 and 10 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). The method was prepared in response to Member States’ request to WHO to provide technical leadership in tobacco product testing. The SOP operationalizes the recommendation of the WHO Study Group on Tobacco Product Regulation (TobReg).

SOP12 was prepared by the No Tobacco Unit (TFI) of the Health Promotion Department of WHO and members of the WHO Tobacco Laboratory Network (TobLabNet). The SOP is an independent method for measuring nicotine in smokeless tobacco products and will fill a very important regulatory void, especially in countries where smokeless tobacco products are prevalent.