Brazil Nicotine Pouch Regulation Could Reopen Vape Ban Debate
The Brazilian Tobacco Industry Association (Abifumo) reports that potential regulatory decisions on nicotine pouches by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) could lead to a revision of Brazil’s ban on electronic cigarettes. This development comes as illegal vape sales continue to rise nationwide.
Edmilson Alves, executive director of Abifumo, stated that while recent changes in Anvisa’s leadership have not altered the agency’s stance on electronic smoking devices (DEFs), regulating nicotine pouches could shift the broader debate.
Alves criticized the current ban’s lack of efficacy, pointing out that consumption continues to grow. “Today, there are already 7 million consumers of electronic smoking devices, heated tobacco, nicotine pouches, and vapes that you find on every corner,” Alves said. He questioned the logic of maintaining a restriction that fails to stop consumption.
A Senate bill to regulate electronic smoking devices remains stalled in committee. Meanwhile, the ban continues to fuel smuggling and tax evasion. According to Abifumo, Brazil loses R$ 13 billion annually in tax revenue due to the unregulated market. The association urges the government to review its policies, emphasizing the need to protect the entire tobacco supply chain, including local farmers and industry workers.
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