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Legalbrief   |   your legal news hub Sunday 28 April 2024

Draft Bill a threat to e-cigs industry – firms

The Vapour Product Association – which represents companies that sell e-cigarettes – is gearing up for a national campaign to oppose a proposed new law, which it says could destroy its industry. A Business Day report notes the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill has been published for comment and contains proposals that, if enacted, would bring electronic delivery devices such as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn products under regulatory control for the first time. The Vapour Product Association had hoped to see separate rules for these devices, but the Bill gives them the same treatment as tobacco products such as cigarettes. If the proposals go through, e-cigarette manufacturers will not be able to sell their products in vending machines, will have to use plain packaging and may not sell to people under the age of 18. Consumers will face tight restrictions on where they can vape, as the Bill proposes more stringent limits on smoking in public places than the Tobacco Products Control Act, which it will replace. The association said Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi had failed to consult the industry and had taken an overzealous approach to regulation that failed to acknowledge the benefits vaping provided. ‘The measures proposed will in effect make it harder for a consumer to vape in SA than it is to smoke. Ultimately, this will halt current smokers and reverse existing vapers from starting or continuing the use of a scientifically proven harm-reduced product,’ it said.