The Impact of COVID-19 on Tobacco Regulation: Challenges and Considerations

Oct.10.2023
The Impact of COVID-19 on Tobacco Regulation: Challenges and Considerations
New scientific data contradicts the belief that the COVID-19 pandemic will bridge the gap between science and policy, particularly in healthcare and tobacco harm reduction.

Recently, according to Allafrica, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a widespread belief in the scientific community that this crisis would bridge the gap between scientific data and policy formulation, potentially leading to evidence-based regulations. However, the reality has shown that in the short term, this hasn't occurred in the development of health policies or subsequent Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) policies.


According to data, the growth rate of the new nicotine product industry has exceeded expectations, with the global market value projected to surpass $50 billion and the user base exceeding 100 million. However, the nicotine industry is currently facing severe setbacks due to challenges such as regulation, taxation, and bans.


The stringent regulation of new nicotine products has also been criticized by the American Psychological Association for the dissemination of incorrect information, which they interpret as misinformation or factual inaccuracies. Although the term is often used interchangeably with "fake news," experts argue that fake news is intentionally used to mislead facts.


Professor Solomon Rataemane, dean of the School of Psychology at the University of South Africa, has highlighted that the new legislation aiming to regulate the tobacco industry in South Africa has received widespread criticism from various stakeholders. According to him, critics argue that novel tobacco products such as e-cigarettes might have a positive impact on reducing tobacco-related harm, as they could potentially improve lung function among users.


Professor Giuseppe Biondi Zoccai, Associate Professor of Cardiology at the Catholic University of Rome, stated that despite scientific evidence indicating numerous health benefits of current nicotine products, such evidence is not sufficient to convince decision-makers to make the right decisions.


Mrs. Marewa Glover, when discussing New Zealand being widely perceived as a successful case, stated that their policies should no longer be copied as the best examples.


She emphasized that education should be the top priority, not taxes. In New Zealand, taxes are so high compared to income that the lowest socio-economic smoking groups often can no longer afford to buy legal cigarettes, leading to other issues. People turn to the black market or cut funds from their food budgets. Many policies have negative consequences, particularly for the lowest socio-economic groups, but good policies should take these impacts into consideration.


We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

UNODC Report: Etomidate-Laced E-Cigarettes Spreading Across Southeast Asia, Targeting Teens
UNODC Report: Etomidate-Laced E-Cigarettes Spreading Across Southeast Asia, Targeting Teens
A 19-year-old Singaporean became withdrawn and self-harmed after becoming addicted to etomidate-laced Kpods vapes. Cases rose from 10 in 2024 to 28 in H1 2025. The UNODC says Kpods are spreading across Southeast Asia via social media, targeting teens.
Jul.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Compliance Brief|Issue #1 Thresholds & Shakeups: Inside the New Wave of U.S. Compliance Consolidation
2Firsts Compliance Brief|Issue #1 Thresholds & Shakeups: Inside the New Wave of U.S. Compliance Consolidation
Jul.17
Bulgaria’s Proposed E-Cigarette Ban Awaits EU Approval, Covering Both Disposable and Reusable Devices
Bulgaria’s Proposed E-Cigarette Ban Awaits EU Approval, Covering Both Disposable and Reusable Devices
Bulgaria’s parliament has passed a bill to fully ban the sale, promotion, and use of both disposable and reusable e-cigarettes. The legislation is still pending approval from the European Union.
Jun.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines DTI Reports $740K in Illegal E-Cigarette Seizures and Removal of 100 Million Violation Records This Year
Philippines DTI Reports $740K in Illegal E-Cigarette Seizures and Removal of 100 Million Violation Records This Year
Between January and May 2025, the Philippine DTI seized $740,000 worth of illegal e-cigarettes from 88 unauthorized brands. Over 104 million online violations were removed, 628 businesses flagged, 385 legal notices issued, and 10 brands suspended.
May.28
2Firsts’ CEO Analyzes the 2024 World Tobacco Development Report from Five Key Perspectives
2Firsts’ CEO Analyzes the 2024 World Tobacco Development Report from Five Key Perspectives
China Tobacco's authoritative report on global tobacco development in 2024 was analyzed by 2Firsts CEO Alan Zhao, shedding light on key trends.
May.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Selangor Government to Decide on Ban of E-cigarette Sales
Selangor Government to Decide on Ban of E-cigarette Sales
Selangor government to decide on ban of e-cigarette sales, citing public health and industry impact. Trend spreading to more areas.
May.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai