South African Vape Industry Calls for Smarter Nicotine Policies

As South Africa grapples with a significant increase in combustible tobacco smoking rates, the vaping industry is calling for a shift towards “smarter, evidence-based” nicotine policies. This plea comes as Parliament holds public consultations on the stringent Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which seeks to impose stricter regulations on product processing, advertising, and packaging for both traditional tobacco and electronic delivery systems, including nicotine and non-nicotine vapes.

Kurt Yeo from “Vaping Saved My Life,” delivering oral submissions to the Portfolio Committee on Health, advocated for a paradigm shift in how South Africa views nicotine consumption and tobacco harm reduction. He emphasized that he represents consumers, especially smokers seeking safer alternatives. “They deserve access to safe alternatives, accurate information, and non-coercive public health policy,” Yeo stated. He argued that global smoking rates have risen in real terms, particularly in low- to middle-income countries, because policy has focused on supply rather than addressing demand.

Yeo highlighted that South Africa’s smoking prevalence surged from 6.7 million smokers in 2012 to 11.1 million in 2021, a 65.7% increase. He attributed this not to a lack of regulation but to failed enforcement and insufficient cessation support, noting that only 0.78% of South Africans managed to quit smoking in 2021. He pointed to the World Health Organization’s FCTC mandate for cessation support, which South Africa has yet to fully implement.

“We must be cautious not to criminalise addiction or alienate those trying to quit. Coercion will not achieve the results that education and support can,” Yeo urged, citing evidence that non-combustible nicotine products carry significantly lower risks. “We must shift from the harm-is-harm ideology to the risk continuum approach. That’s what saves lives. E-cigarettes, or vapes, are significantly less harmful than combustible tobacco.”

The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) also weighed in, supporting the Bill’s restrictions on traditional tobacco but highlighting key differences for vapor products. ARB CEO Gail Schimmel noted the “undeniably health benefits” for traditional smokers who switch to vapes. She argued it’s important for the industry to communicate these benefits factually, without encouraging non-smokers to start. Schimmel mentioned the collaborative development of a Vapour Products Appendix to their code, emphasizing responsible marketing, such as not targeting minors or associating products with glamour. This code requires substantiated claims and clear nicotine addiction warnings, similar to alcohol advertising regulations.

The proposed Tobacco Bill, however, leaves no room for any display of tobacco and electronic delivery systems, a point of contention for those advocating for harm reduction visibility.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.