onsumers are being asked to speak up for the vape industry to protect it from overzealous regulation which could have far-reaching consequences for smokers and vapers alike .
Here Louise Ross , Chair of the UK ’ s New Nicotine Alliance , explains why it is vitally important that consumers understand the power they possess to help stave off ‘ ominous ’ threats to this reducedrisk alternative .
She explains that while the UK enjoys some of the most vapefriendly regulations in the world , this should never be taken for granted .
And she shows what needs to be down now , and in the future , to help ensure that the UK continues to be seen as setting the ‘ gold standard ’ for the way it helps smokers to use vaping to quit .
Words : Louise Ross
With the regulatory landscape around vaping products currently fairly settled , it is easy to become complacent and think that nothing is going to change , nothing needs to be done .
However , there are still significant potential threats which could emerge in the near future , so it is important that consumers stay alert and are prepared to make their voices heard .
In October , the UK government sent the clearest message yet of its backing of vaping by announcing that the MHRA will make it easier for manufacturers to apply for a medicinal license .
The NICE guidelines published in November also supported the use of vaping , equal with traditional licensed products such as NRTs and this could have an encouraging effect on smokers who have been reluctant to try vaping due to scare stories in the media .
However , it is worth noting that the government only sees vaping as a short-term smoking cessation option and wants them to quit vaping once they no longer use cigarettes . This could inadvertently push vapers back to smoking , by creating tension where it ’ s not needed .
The government does not endorse recreational vaping , and while the current policy does not state a time-limit on vaping , some public health activists talk about encouraging people to go nicotine-free as well as smoke-free , thus showing that they do not take account of the relative risks .
TOBACCO AND RELATED PRODUCTS REGULATIONS ( TRPR )
Treatment of safer nicotine products is governed by the TRPR which is currently being updated following public consultation .
While we do not expect much to change with the TRPR , we must be on guard in case anything unfavourable is added at the behest of anti-vaping , prohibitionist opinion leaders in this space .
TOBACCO CONTROL PLAN
Similarly , the new Tobacco Control Plan is expected to be unveiled very soon and could well include recommendations for standardised
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