As 2023 draws to a close, a number of nations have enacted new vape laws that will go into force on or after January 1, 2024. These new laws will control everything like flavours, advertising strategies, levies, and more. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most important vape laws in the world, along with any possible effects.
Restricting Youth-Friendly Advertising in the U.S.
As the biggest vape market in the world, the US frequently sets trends for the e-cigarette sector. The United States is enacting stricter vape marketing laws in 2024 in an effort to lessen exposure to minors.
New York State will outlaw the use of vape brand names, logos, or other identifiers on any goods other than the actual vape devices as of January 1. This stops promotional merchandise from being branded. Additionally, vape businesses are not allowed to support sporting events or musical performances in New York. Furthermore, it will be against the rules for brands to give away freebies associated with vape purchases in-store.
These new marketing guidelines for e-cigarettes bring them into compliance with the laws already governing traditional tobacco products. In order to prevent adolescent experimentation and addiction, authorities plan to limit options for appealing youth-oriented branding and sponsorship.
In addition to marketing, some US states want to modify the attraction of vape products to younger consumers. A recent Texas rule outlaws packaging with fruit or candy flavours, as well as cartoons or celebrity images that can encourage vaping among kids. On January 1, 2024, these regulations go into force.
Bulgaria and the Netherlands have banned flavoured vapes.
In 2021, the Netherlands enacted a complete prohibition on flavoured vaporizers. Due to initial public opposition, this Act will ultimately go into force on January 1, 2024, following an 18-month wait. All non-tobacco flavours of vape products are banned as part of the nation’s goal to have a smoke-free society by 2040.
Along with new regulations on flavoured vaping, Bulgaria will cease selling any non-tobacco flavoured heated tobacco products starting on January 1. This change was brought about by an amendment that the Bulgarian National Assembly swiftly and without discussion passed. Since the flavour prohibition complies with the Tobacco Products Directive of the European Union, Bulgaria won’t face any legal repercussions.
Both nations’ restrictions on flavoured e-cigarettes aim to lessen their attraction to young people and the ensuing experimentation. Some adult vapers contend that this law restricts the less harmful flavours available to smokers who want to switch from tobacco to other flavours in order to help them stop.
Australia’s “Import Ban” on Tax Increases and Disposables
Australia is about to enact a broad “import ban” that will forbid the importation of single-use vape devices beginning on January 1, 2024. After this date, the law essentially prevents disposable vapes from being imported into Australia. In order to serve the Australian market, disposable vape manufacturers will need to figure out how to legally produce their products there.
Australia plans to reduce medical prescription standards for vaping items in addition to this ban on the import of disposable vapes. Vapes will be prescribed to patients by doctors and nurse practitioners who are not General Practitioners as of January 1. Afterwards, patients can visit pharmacies to complete their prescriptions for therapeutic vapes. Prescriptions, according to detractors, are frequently merely formalities nonetheless and won’t always increase legal access.
Rather than outlawing vaping, some nations use tax policies to discourage use. On January 1, 2024, Belgium will impose a tax of €0.15 per millilitre on vape liquids. Authorities in Indonesia are increasing the consumption taxes on vapes by 15%, which would bring the industry’s total tax rate to about 30% this year.
Increased taxes are meant to slow the rise in vaping, but some users fear they may unintentionally encourage people to switch back to smoking regular cigarettes, which are more dangerous.
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