The South African Department of Health has announced that public consultation on the new Tobacco Products and e-Cigarettes Bill will close on 28 July.
The submission period for the public consultation was originally set to run from June 21 to August 4, 2023. The bill seeks to regulate traditional cigarettes as well as e-cigarettes, which are becoming increasingly popular as a means of quitting smoking and consumer grade nicotine products.
The Ministry of Health introduced the relevant elements of the bill:
The bill will focus on nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes related legislation;
Introducing graphic health warning logos and simple packaging;
Ban the display of e-cigarettes at points of sale; 100% smoke-free public areas;
Vending machines are completely prohibited from selling e-cigarettes.
Earlier this month, South Africa’s Ministry of Health introduced the new bill in Parliament, and many stakeholders have expressed concern about the possible knock-on effects of the new bill, as the tobacco industry is currently a key engine of economic growth in South Africa.
Lawmakers say the bill could lead to more people turning to the illicit tobacco black market and lead to job losses for those involved.
Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of the South African e-Cigarette Products Association (VPASA), said that e-cigarette products should be a solution to reduce the harm of traditional cigarettes, not a new problem.
Now, she said, the South African government is trying to “demonize” e-cigarettes as a more destructive product than traditional cigarettes. The new bill not only regulates e-cigarettes, but also includes them in the tax scope of tobacco products.
Barry Buchman, managing director of e-cigarette company Vaperite, said the excise tax on e-cigarette products has had an adverse effect on retailers, with many believing it will cause consumers to turn to the black market.
Buchman added that the tax policy pushes consumers to buy e-cigarette liquids with the highest nicotine content and the most addictive. Because this is a more favorable option, which is already contrary to the original intention of the government.
References:
[1] New deadline for smoking and vape laws in South Africa