South Africa SABS Sets 35% Nicotine Ceiling in New Vaping Products Standard
The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has officially published its long-anticipated standard for vaping products, marking a significant milestone for both manufacturers and consumers. Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of the Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA), emphasizes that this move will elevate consumer safety within the vaping industry.
Comprehensive Guidelines for Consistency, Safety, and Quality
The new standard (SANS 2094:2024 (Ed. 1.00)), now available for purchase from the SABS, provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure consistency, safety, and quality across the vaping products market. It covers crucial elements such as manufacturing, packaging, labelling, and testing protocols, as well as regulations governing the composition of e-liquids.
A key feature of the standard is the establishment of a nicotine ceiling set at 35%. Gcoyi stresses the importance of this regulation in aligning South Africa’s vaping market with international standards to safeguard consumers from excessively high nicotine concentrations. This ceiling keeps South African regulations in sync with countries like Sweden, Canada, and the UK, where similar measures have already been adopted.
for reference:
SANS 2094 ED1: South African Vaping products Standard
Stakeholder Compliance and Consumer Protection
As the South African vaping industry transitions, all stakeholders, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers, must familiarize themselves with these new standards. Although adherence remains voluntary, Gcoyi encourages compliance by all parties, highlighting the relevance of the Consumer Protection Act, which obligates stakeholders to align their products with established standards.
The release of the vaping products standard represents progress for an evolving industry and demonstrates a commitment to protecting consumers as the market expands. As South Africa marks this important development in vaping regulation, it paves the way for a safer and more responsible approach to vaping, resonating with a global trend focused on consumer welfare.
