The UKVIA has produced a consultation response to the European Union’s evaluation of the legislative framework for tobacco control.
In its response, the UKVIA made the following key points:
- there is an extremely strong body of evidence and independent expert analysis demonstrating that vaping is far safer than smoking combustible tobacco, and an extremely effective way to support adult smokers to quit smoking and reduce cancer rates;
- the opportunity should be taken to deliver policies which support adult smokers to switch, grouped around:
- misinformation about the relative risks of vaping against smoking is tackled, to give consumers and medical experts a much better understanding of the data;
- product quality and safety standards are strengthened across the industry; and
- support online vape retailers with outreach to adult smokers looking to switch;
- the ongoing need for effective design and enforcement of rules and standards more broadly, including on advertising; and proposals for more research into key areas, such as on bottle size limitations.
- The consultation response questioned that if the EU is committed to reducing harm caused by combustible tobacco, further understanding of the public health opportunities presented by e-cigarettes at EU level is essential and progress must be much faster.
The submission built on the number of recommendations the UKVIA made to the UK Government during the post-implementation review of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations. It also draws on the recently published Khan Review, highlighting the policies advocated by government-commissioned review.