Anti-smoking laws: Government may deal differently with e-cigarettes

South Africa's Department of health spokesperson Foster Mohale, says Although government’s new anti-smoking Bill aims to regulate e-cigarettes, this does not mean that they will be treated the same as regular cigarettes, ahead of World No Tobacco Day 2018.

Cabinet recently approved the draft Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, which has been published for public comment.

The Bill proposes a ban on smoking in all public buildings and within 10m of the outside of these buildings, plain packaging with pictorial health warning and a ban on smoking in private cars carrying passengers. It also extends the definition of smoking to include electronic delivery systems (e-cigarettes) and heat-not-burn tobacco products.

“One should note that the Bill is citing policy statements. If promulgated, new regulations relating to different aspects such as smoking in public places, display of tobacco products and packaging and labelling will be developed,” said Mohale.


Claiming that government was trying to treat cigarettes and electronic devices the same was “pre-empting what those regulations will include, particularly pertaining to e-cigarettes”, said Mohale.

“Consideration of product variation and impact on public health will apply,” he added “It is important to note that, when developing legal clauses, one is allowed to split it into sections.

SOURCE: NEWS24
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