Countries Back Vaping at WHO Summit, Challenge Ban

The recent 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Switzerland exposed a significant fracture in global tobacco policy. While the World Health Organization (WHO) maintained its traditional prohibitionist stance, a growing number of countries challenged this approach, advocating for vaping and other non-combustible nicotine products as vital tools for harm reduction.

The summit, criticized for its lack of transparency and closed sessions, saw delegations from over 180 countries debating restrictions. However, unlike previous years, dissenting voices emerged. Nations including New Zealand, Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Mozambique, Gambia, and St. Kitts and Nevis urged the assembly to follow scientific evidence and integrate harm reduction into global strategies. They warned that bans do not stop consumption but merely shift it to the informal market.

A last-minute proposal to almost totally ban non-combustible nicotine products faced strong opposition from European countries like Italy, Poland, and Greece. They argued such a generalized ban would be counterproductive and fuel the black market. Consequently, the harshest measures proposed by the WHO failed to reach consensus.

Outside the official venue, the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) projected messages from their “Voices Unheard” campaign, reminding delegates of the millions of ex-smokers who quit thanks to vaping. Parallel to the summit, the “Good COP 2.0” forum featured independent experts presenting evidence that countries regulating vaping—like the UK and Sweden—have achieved historic lows in smoking rates.

In contrast to this global shift, Argentina remains stuck with a total ban on vaping, a policy critics argue has fostered an uncontrolled black market and increased risks for consumers. Dr. Diego Joaquín Verrastro, an Argentine expert at Good COP 2.0, stated, “Continuing to bet on prohibition is irresponsible.” The “Responsible Vaping” campaign in Argentina, backed by over 15,000 signatures, is pushing for modern regulation to ensure safety, prevent youth access, and allow adult smokers access to less harmful alternatives, aligning with the evolving international consensus.

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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.

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