The South African Department of Health is moving to implement stricter regulations on vapes and other electronic delivery systems through the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.
Story Summary:
- The Department of Health has introduced a bill to regulate vaping products similarly to tobacco products.
- This proposed law includes strict rules on advertising, packaging, and selling vapes, especially to minors, as part of efforts to curb rising youth vaping.
Dept of Health wants to pass a new law to control vapes
This Bill, initially tabled in 2022, intends to bring vapes under the same regulatory framework as traditional tobacco products.
The Department highlighted the growing concern over vaping’s potential health risks, particularly among young people.
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The Bill aims to address issues like the packaging and sale of these devices, emphasising health warnings and banning flavoured vapes that could appeal to younger consumers.
It will also outlaw the advertisement and promotion of electronic nicotine delivery systems, citing concerns about their association with social prestige, which encourages their use among youth.
How will this law affect vaping in South Africa?
If this law is passed, the way vapes are sold and marketed in South Africa will change drastically.
According to the Bill, no person will be allowed to advertise or promote electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Additionally, the packaging will need to comply with standardised formats that include explicit health warnings, much like those required for cigarettes.
The law would also regulate the appearance and size of vape products, ensuring they do not mislead consumers about their health risks.
“No person shall sell or offer for sale any vape device unless it is packaged in the prescribed manner and includes clear health warnings,” according to the proposed regulations.
Vaping products will also face restrictions on where they can be sold, with strict controls around educational and health institutions, and vending machines selling such items would be banned.
What must happen before this Bill becomes law?
Before the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill can become law, it must undergo a legislative process.
This involves presenting the Bill in the National Assembly, where it will be debated and possibly amended.
The public will also have the opportunity to comment on the Bill before it moves through committees and finally to the President for approval.
Once approved, the Bill will be gazetted, after which regulations will be enacted to ensure enforcement.
The Department of Health is expected to work with other stakeholders, including the police, to monitor compliance and address any violations under the new law.
