“
“ I see this as a win for the UK ’ s vaping sector as the review clearly states the positive impact that vaping can have in helping people to quit smoking .
T he Department of Health has concluded that the UK ’ s existing vape legislation is fit for purpose and ‘ could not be better achieved through alternative regulatory measures .’
Brexit gave the government the opportunity to revise the TRPR given that we are no longer obliged to follow the EU ’ s Tobacco Products Directive .
Now a review of the legislation which governs the sales of all nicotine products in the UK has determined that the TRPR regulations ‘ met their original objectives .’
The UK Vaping Industry Association ( UKVIA ) said the decision showed that the government acknowledged the ‘ crucial role ’ that vaping plays in smoking harm reduction .
UKVIA Director General John Dunne said : “ I see this as a win for the UK ’ s vaping sector as the review clearly states the positive impact that vaping can have in helping people to quit smoking .
“ This tells me that the industry is doing its job in bringing to the fore some of the things that have been holding back vaping ’ s ability to support the Government ’ s smokefree targets to full effect .”
As part of the TRPR consultation , the UKVIA submitted a series of proposals aimed at ‘ creating a better commercial and regulatory environment .’
These included :
· The use of Government-approved expert health claims on products to address misinformation leading to misperceptions on vaping and therefore encourage smokers to switch
· Greater opportunities to engage with smokers , as current regulations restrict vaping ’ s ability to provide smokers with evidence-based knowledge to make informed decisions when looking to quit and
· The extension of certain regulations to cover additional vaping products , such as non-nicotine e-liquids , thereby ensuring a highly responsible and safe industry .
Dunne added : “ Our hope now is that those proposals and recommendations are carried forward and manifested in the Tobacco Control Plan .
“ There is also still positivity that our recommendations can inform and influence the Health Disparities White Paper and independent review into tobacco control policies .”
Dunne said the development paved the way to move on from the ‘ frankly dangerous misinformation that has stopped vaping from realising its full public health potential .’
He said the UKVIA would continue to support the Government ’ s smokefree agenda and would ‘ work tirelessly ’ to maximise the potential of vaping to help adult smokers quit while discouraging youth uptake .’
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