According to a report by Businesstech, the South African health department has announced that the public consultation for the new Tobacco Products and E-cigarette Bill will come to an end on July 28th.
The deadline for public consultation was initially set from June 21 to August 4, 2023. The proposed legislation aims to regulate traditional cigarettes as well as e-cigarettes, which are increasingly gaining popularity as a smoking cessation tool and a consumer nicotine product.
The Ministry of Health has provided an overview of the contents of the bill:
The bill will focus on legislating both nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes; introducing graphic health warning labels and minimalist packaging; prohibiting the display of e-cigarettes at point of sale; establishing 100% smoke-free public areas; and implementing a complete ban on the sale of e-cigarettes in vending machines.
At the beginning of this month, the South African Ministry of Health presented this new bill in parliament. Many stakeholders expressed concerns over the potential ripple effects of the new legislation, as the tobacco industry is currently a vital driver of economic growth in South Africa.
Members of Parliament expressed concerns that the proposed legislation could potentially drive more individuals towards the illicit tobacco market and result in job loss for those involved in the sector.
Asanda Gcoyi, the CEO of the Vapour Product Association of South Africa (VPASA), has stated that e-cigarette products should be viewed as a solution to reducing the harm caused by traditional cigarettes, rather than a new problem.
She said that the South African government is currently demonizing e-cigarettes, considering them to be more destructive than conventional cigarettes. The new bill not only regulates e-cigarettes but also includes them in the tax framework for tobacco products.
Barry Buchman, the managing director at e-cigarette company Vaperite, has stated that the implementation of a consumer tax on e-cigarette products has had negative impacts on retailers, with many fearing that it will drive consumers towards the black market.
Buchman added that the tax policy encourages consumers to purchase e-cigarette liquids with the highest nicotine content and the highest addictive potential. This contradicts the government's original intentions, as it is a more cost-effective option.
References:
【1】New deadline for smoking and vape laws in South Africa
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