Germany E-cigarette Association Calls for Stronger Youth Protection

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai
Sep.21.2023
Germany E-cigarette Association Calls for Stronger Youth Protection
Germany's e-cigarette trade association (VdeH) calls for stronger efforts in protecting minors on International Children's Day.

According to reports, Oliver Poland, the executive director of the German e-cigarette trade association (VdeH), emphasized the need for increased efforts from national, local governments, and communities in protecting minors, particularly in enforcing relevant protective policies, on September 20, International Children's Day. He pointed out that the issue lies not in a lack of laws but in the lax regulation and enforcement against illegal activities. It is our responsibility to better safeguard children and teenagers.

 

Poland emphasizes the relevant legal provisions that explicitly state that children and adolescents under the age of 18 are prohibited from smoking in public places, as well as from providing, supplying, or selling tobacco products or their packaging to them, even through internet or mail-order methods. These tobacco products include cigarettes, nicotine-free and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, cigarillos, tobacco, and snuff.

 

The purpose of the Minor Protection Law is to ensure that minors are not exposed to specific potential dangers. Therefore, these regulations mainly apply to businesses, but also to organizers. Individuals who violate these provisions may be considered illegal and face fines of up to €50,000.

 

However, Polande pointed out that in many cities and communities, the regulation and enforcement of similar convenience stores are not sufficient. For example, some places have shown a relatively lenient attitude towards the sale of so-called disposable e-cigarette products, which are sold through convenience stores and night convenience stores. While there is strict enforcement against the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages to minors, the penalties for violations of these products are lower. Therefore, Polande urges that different violations should not be treated differently in different regions, especially the sale of e-cigarettes to minors should be subject to severe and heavy penalties similar to the illegal sale of alcohol.

 

He also stated that lawmakers have not been strict enough in protecting minors, even though they have correctly banned the sale of e-cigarettes to minors, they have failed to effectively enforce the relevant bans. VdeH member companies have been actively promoting strict enforcement and are calling on the community to adopt similar mystery shopping regulatory actions to ensure compliance with regulations. Such regular actions have significantly reduced violations of laws protecting minors in neighboring Austria.

 

Notice

1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.

2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.

Copyright

This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.

This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.