UK Implements Ban on Disposable E-cigarettes
The new regulations will limit e-cigarette flavor varieties, mandate plain packaging, and change how e-cigarettes are displayed in stores to minimize appeal to children. Additionally, the age limit for purchasing tobacco will change, making it illegal to sell tobacco products to those under 15.
Scotland will also ban the sale and supply of disposable e-cigarette products from April 1 next year. This date was agreed upon by local devolved governments and Westminster after a nationwide consultation last year.
Scotland is progressing with the legislation empowered by the 1990 Environmental Protection Act, with the consultation deadline set for March 8.
Germany also intends to take action against disposable e-cigarettes, with some ecologists, including the Green Federal Environment Minister, advocating for a complete EU-wide ban on disposable e-cigarettes.
New Zealand, known for its strict anti-tobacco guidelines, has implemented an effective ban since August last year, introducing new regulations to protect youth from vaping behaviors, such as lower nicotine content, duller flavor names, and prohibiting e-cigarette shops near schools.
Sweden Advocates for Harm Reduction in EU
The organization hopes the EU Commission will consider Sweden’s position when revising the EU Tobacco Products Directive. Minister Forsmed also stressed the necessity of protecting children and adolescents from the negative effects of nicotine, suggesting effective measures such as age restrictions on sales, banning proxy sales, and prohibiting e-cigarette use during school hours.
Hospitalizations in London Linked to Toxic E-cigarettes
Five students from a school in Eltham, southeast London, were hospitalized on January 29 after using e-cigarettes containing toxic substances. The e-cigarettes were later found to contain drug-laced substances.
A spokesperson for Scotland Yard stated, “The purchase of illegal products should be stopped as the ingredients in these products are unknown.” Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene after the children experienced symptoms like vomiting and confusion. One student fell unconscious but later recovered after medical intervention.
UK Trading Standards Seizes Nearly 2000 Illegal E-cigarette Products
Trading standards officers seized nearly 2000 illegal disposable e-cigarette products from five businesses. These products were five times the legal size.
Trading standards visited shops to assess compliance with the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, with non-compliance potentially resulting in hefty fines. The prevalence of illegal and oversized e-cigarette products is increasing, leading parliament to collaborate with other agencies to combat the sale of illegal e-cigarette products before the impending ban on vaping products.
E-cigarette Companies and FDA: Appeals and Legal Battles
According to recent statistics, over 30 e-cigarette companies have taken legal action, persistently challenging the FDA’s refusals. This has continued from early 2023 to February 27, 2024, with Cloud Nine Vapor Products and VapenCloud appealing their MDO consolidation case. The court ruled unfavorably for the FDA in the Triton case on June 15, 2023. This ruling means the FDA would need to appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn Triton’s decision.
Germany Becomes First Major European Country to Legalize Cannabis
However, sales are only permitted through nonprofit “social clubs” with limited membership. The German Federal Parliament approved the cannabis legalization measure with 407 votes in favor and 226 votes against. Upon enforcement, adults (18 years and older) can possess up to 25 grams of cannabis in public and up to 50 grams in private residences. Each household can cultivate a maximum of three cannabis plants.
Disposable E-cigarettes Impact Altria Group’s Cigarette Sales
An analysis report released last week by Barclays Research’s investment research department indicates that due to the dominance of disposable e-cigarettes in the market, the profit of US tobacco giant Altria Group for the fiscal year 2024 will be lower than expected unless action is taken against the declining cigarette sales.
UK Regulatory Authority Announces Crackdown on E-cigarette Ads on Social Media
The UK Advertising Practice Committee stated that several manufacturers and retailers have been issued enforcement notices, clarifying rules regarding e-cigarette advertisements. It prohibits them from promoting e-cigarettes containing nicotine, unlicensed as medicines on most social media platforms. Limited online e-cigarette advertising is allowed on company websites, provided they are not targeted at or attractive to children and only contain factual statements about the products. Advertisers must comply with these regulations by March 28.
Australia Continues Crackdown on Tobacco Imports, Recruits Influencers for Anti-Tobacco Campaign
A study released by VicHealth last year found a significant presence of pro-smoking individuals on social media, with over 18,000 dedicated smoking promotion accounts on Instagram, including 1600 in Australia. To combat online pro-smoking information and persuade Australian youth to quit nicotine habits, the federal government recruited nearly ten influential individuals from sports, gaming, lifestyle, and comedy backgrounds to promote anti-smoking messages.
Australian Health Minister Mark Butler Cracks Down on Drug Use.