South Africa’s proposed new tobacco management regulation might deal with vapes and different non-combustible nicotine merchandise otherwise from conventional cigarettes, following discussions in Parliament this week.
The Portfolio Committee on Well being was briefed by the Division of Well being on responses to points raised throughout public hearings on the Tobacco Merchandise and Digital Supply Techniques Management Invoice.
Whereas the invoice broadly goals to tighten regulation of tobacco and nicotine merchandise, lawmakers at the moment are debating how vapes and smokeless merchandise must be categorized underneath the laws.
Committee chairperson Religion Muthambi stated the objective is to cut back smoking-related hurt whereas guaranteeing the regulation is sensible and enforceable.
“Our position as a Committee is to make sure that this invoice successfully reduces the burden of illness brought on by smoking and publicity,” she stated.
Vapes and smokeless merchandise in focus
A key level of debate throughout the briefing was whether or not non-combustible merchandise – similar to vapes and sure smokeless tobacco merchandise (snus, snuff, chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches) – must be regulated in precisely the identical manner as conventional cigarettes.
The Division of Well being indicated that some packaging and labelling necessities designed for flamable tobacco merchandise might not apply to sure non-combustible merchandise.
Committee members welcomed this concession, saying it exhibits progress in addressing issues raised throughout public consultations.
Nonetheless, MPs stated the method must be utilized extra persistently throughout the laws, notably the place the invoice distinguishes between flamable and non-combustible merchandise.
Issues over definitions and enforcement
Lawmakers additionally raised issues about how the invoice defines flamable merchandise, suggesting the definition ought to focus particularly on ignition and burning to keep away from confusion.
The problem is critical as a result of it determines which tobacco merchandise fall underneath stricter guidelines.
Members additionally questioned whether or not authorities has sufficient regulation enforcement capability to implement the proposed laws successfully.
The Committee additional highlighted the necessity to steadiness public well being objectives with financial concerns similar to jobs, tax income and funding within the sector.
The invoice stays underneath evaluation as Parliament continues to think about proposed amendments following public submissions.
