The South African Health Portfolio Council announced that public consultation on the new tobacco product and electronic transmission system control bill will end on July 28th.

According to a report on June 22, the submission deadline was originally from June 21, 2023 to August 4, 2023.

The purpose of the bill is not only to regulate traditional tobacco smoking, but also to include Electronic cigarette, such as Electronic cigarette. Electronic cigarette have become very popular, not only as a means of quitting ordinary cigarettes, but also as a gateway to nicotine consumption.

According to Business Tech, broadly speaking, the bill aims to regulate the sales and advertising of tobacco products and electronic transmission devices.

The parliament stated that the bill will also focus on legislation for electronic nicotine and electronic non nicotine delivery systems; introduce paperbacks with graphic health warnings and images; completely prohibit display at sales points; introduce 100% smoke-free areas - indoor public areas and certain outdoor areas; and completely prohibit tobacco product vending machines.

At the beginning of this month, the health department notified the parliament of the new bill, but the reactions from all parties were mixed. Many stakeholders are concerned that the new bill may have a serious chain reaction to the tobacco/smoking industry, which is a key driver of Economy of South Africa's economic growth.

Members of parliament stated that the bill may lead to more people turning to the already nascent illegal tobacco industry and lead to unemployment.

Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of Electronic cigarette Products Association (VPASA), when talking about Electronic cigarette products, said that the combustible alternatives of traditional cigarettes should become the pillar of reducing tobacco hazards in South Africa, and be more regarded as the solution to the problem than the solution to the problem. Compare a new question.

She said that the government had successfully demonized Electronic cigarette and labeled them more destructive than traditional cigarettes.

Electronic cigarette is not only regulated by the new act, but also included in the scope of consumption tax according to the updated provisions of tobacco product consumption tax.

Barry Buchman, the managing director of Vaperite, said that the newly levied consumption tax on Electronic cigarette products had brought losses to retailers. Many people believed that the tax had had a negative impact, prompting consumers to move to the illegal market.


Buchman added that this tax is encouraging consumers to buy the electronic cigarette oil with the highest nicotine content and the most addictive, because it is a cheaper option, which negates the original intention of the Ministry of Finance to solve health related problems.