LONDON . JUNE 5-6 BY PATRICK GRIFFIN
It would be hard to imagine more comprehensive coverage of the science of vaping and other electronic nicotine delivery systems than the annual ENDS conference . Given the vital role that science plays in the e-cigarette industry , there was a huge amount to cover during the two-day event at London ’ s Amba Hotel in Marble Arch . A series of expert speakers covered a wide range of topics from analytics , testing , regulations , clinical trials and industry standards . ENDS – the Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems conference – highlighted how universal international testing standards were vital for the industry and showed how scientific cooperation on a global scale can have huge benefits for producers and consumers alike . As Europe ’ s only science-based conference for the industry , it attracted more than 120 delegates from throughout the industry including testing companies , manufacturers , regulatory bodies , law firms and product developers . Patricia Kovacevic , General Counsel Chief Compliance Officer at Nicopure Labs described the industry as a ‘ force of nature ’ which was growing importance around the world . She said : “ ENDS are here to stay and represent a revolution in improving health and in harm reduction . In the UK we are blessed to have a government that understands that vaping is part of the solution and not part of the problem .” Ms Kovacevic said the global e-cigarette industry had the potential to save millions of lives and was both able and willing to , “ serve as a catalyst to move smokers to new non-combustible products .” She read a statement from Rugby MP Mark Pawsey , chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on E-cigarettes , who criticised the “ mixed messages ” surrounding the way vape products were regulated and presented to consumers .
“ IN THE UK WE ARE BLESSED TO HAVE A GOVERNMENT THAT UNDERSTANDS
THAT VAPING IS PART OF THE SOLUTION AND NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM ”
– PATRICIA KOVACEVIC , NICOPURE LABS
He said : “ Very few employees have policies to distinguish between smoking and vaping and we are determined that Parliament will become vape friendly and lead the way for other employers and workplaces throughout the country .” Liam Humberstone from Totally Wicked and the IBVTA said that Brexit would not have any impact on the country ’ s vaping regulatory framework . He said : “ Post Brexit the TPD will stay the same in the UK for quite some time . I do not think there is the political will to change it .” He also called for universal industry standards adding : “ If you have standards in place ahead of regulation then we give the regulators very little to look at . Standards are a huge defence against bad regulation .” Responding to an audience question about whether Big Tobacco should be involved in industry standards , he said : “ We are all part of the same industry . We need to act responsibly in doing the right thing . We will accept that the independent sector and Big Tobacco are different , but we achieve the most when we all work together .” Dr Sudhanshu Patwardhan , Senior International Engagement Manager for British American Tobacco / Nicoventures , said : “ Standards and specifications are about assuring key stakeholders , be they consumers or regulators , that we are not a bunch of wild west cowboys but that we are here for the long term and we want to do a good job .”
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