South Africa Weighs Treating Vapes as Tobacco Products, Sparking Public Health Debate

Nov.29.2024

South Africa's Parliamentary Health Committee has called for more research to compare the health risks of vaping and traditional smoking. If the Tobacco Control Bill is passed, it would restrict vape use, advertising, and potentially classify vapes as tobacco products.

According to All Africa's report on November 26th, there is still controversy in South Africa over whether e-cigarettes are a helpful tool for quitting smoking or a factor that promotes smoking. Additionally, the impact of high taxes on potentially causing people to start smoking again is still undecided.

The Health Portfolio Committee of the South African Parliament has called for more research to compare the health risks of e-cigarettes with traditional smoking methods, with the aim of better understanding the controversial Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Act.

If the bill is passed, e-cigarettes will be classified as tobacco products, which means they will not be allowed to be used in public places, e-cigarette advertising will be prohibited, and the Health Minister will determine the design of product packaging and labels.

The committee expressed concerns about the draft law, as it fails to differentiate between e-cigarettes and traditional tobacco products, and also overlooks the possibility that e-cigarettes may be considered a tool to help quit smoking. These concerns were raised in the public consultation report on the legislation.

A survey has indicated that in 2021, nearly 30% of South Africans aged 15 and above use tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

References:

[1] South Africa: Will SA's New Vaping Laws Lead to More Smokers Instead of Fewer?

Also Read:

[1] South African parliament pushes e-cigarette legislation, plans public hearings

[2] South Africa Releases New Standards for E-cigarette Products

[3] South Africa Tobacco Control Advocacy Urges Government to Prioritize Legislation

[4] South Africa Reboots Tobacco Control Act: Planning to Unify the Package of Vapes

[5] High Smoking Rates in South Africa: GATS 2021 Report

[6] South African Retail Market: Over Half Retailers Suspected of Selling Illegal Tobacco Products

#Legislation #E-cigarettes #Africa #South Africa

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