UK Vaping Associations Gives Guidance to Vaping Manufacturers

Recent negative news has emerged in the UK disposable e-cigarette market, with independent laboratory Inter Scientific claiming that 73% of tested products exceed the e-liquid capacity standard and that none of the tested products are registered on MHRA's list. Both the British Health Minister and the Prime Minister have spoken out, stating they will enforce regulations on "illegal e-cigarettes" and focus on combating the issue of underage e-cigarette usage.

At 11 a.m. BST, April 26th, 2FIRSTS held a webinar with John Dunne, Director General of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), and Marcus Saxton, Chairman of the Independent British Vaping Trade Association (IBVTA) to speak directly to the e-cigarette/vape manufacturers. The discussion revolved around the recent changes and new developments in government regulation of the UK e-cigarette market. 
 

During the one-hour live stream, 2FIRSTS addressed the compliance standards of the UK e-cigarette market and manufacturers' concerns.
 

John stated that 40% of British smokers are transitioning to e-cigarettes. However, the recent incidents may prompt the government to reconsider the current regulatory rules to ensure greater public safety.

When discussing the priorities of the two associations, John mentioned that UKVIA is working on its collaboration with the government, while IBVTA is proactively spreading scientific knowledge as it has commissioned tests that proved that vaping is at least 95%, and "in some situations, close to 98% or 99%" safer than smoking.

According to John, the World Health Organization (WHO) is set to propose a ban on open-system e-cigarettes at a meeting (COP 10) in November this year.

Both leaders have encouraged vaping brands and manufacturers to uphold compliance and product standards when selling in the UK, otherwise, it would risk undermining all the efforts and support of e-cigarettes in the UK.

Also read: 

Guardian: 73% UK E-cigarettes Exceed Liquid Limits, 8 Zero-nicotine Products Contain Nicotine

UKVIA Supports Stricter Policing and Fines for Illicit Vaping Products

IBVTA Responds to Non-Compliant Vape Report

UKVIA on Overfill Incident: Other Tests Conflicts with BAT's Results

IBVTA Welcomes UK Govt's Crackdown Plan on Illegal Vapes

UK Aims to Cut Smoking Rate to 5% by Offering Vapes for Smokers