According to Brazilian media outlet Metrópoles, the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) is planning to seek public input regarding the regulation of e-cigarettes in the latter half of this year.
Antonio Barra Torres, President of Anvisa, revealed that the public consultation process is still in the formulation stage.
Currently, Brazil has imposed a ban on the sale, import, and distribution of e-cigarettes. Those who violate the regulations may face fines of up to 1.5 million Brazilian reais (approximately 2.25 million Chinese yuan).
During the public consultation period, various social and economic stakeholders involved in this issue will have the opportunity to submit their opinions, suggestions, and criticisms to the organization.
According to a study conducted by research institution Ipec, the number of e-cigarette users in Brazil has grown from 500,000 to 2.2 million. In the capital city of Brasília, approximately 4% of the population now uses e-cigarettes.
The Brazilian government loses 2.2 billion Brazilian Real (approximately 3.1 billion Chinese Yuan) annually due to untaxed illegal products, leading to a loss of 110,000 employment opportunities for the country.
British American Tobacco (BAT) and Philip Morris International (PMI) have both expressed their views on e-cigarette regulation in Brazil. Lauro Anhezini Jr, the Head of Science and Regulatory Affairs for BAT Brazil, stated:
"If more harmful cigarettes can be legally sold, BAT cannot understand why e-cigarettes are banned in this country, considering that over 80 countries have regulated them. Compared to traditional cigarettes, their risk is reduced by 95%."
BAT has expressed plans to expand its existing factory to accommodate the production of e-cigarettes, initially using imported components for e-cigarette assembly. PMI representatives have stated that if Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency lifts the ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, PMI will plan to build a new factory in Rio Grande do Sul, a city in southern Brazil.
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【1】O próximo passo para a Anvisa regular cigarros eletrônicos
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