NEWS
LEADING BY EXAMPLE
UKVIA lobbies government to implement comprehensive changes to TRPR as first test of its post-Brexit independence
Words : Patrick Griffin and Jordan Millar
T he British government is being urged to move quickly to protect the UK ’ s billionpound vaping industry by introducing bespoke legislation to help smokers quit .
A review of the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations ( TRPR ) is currently underway , which could reshape the country ’ s approach to harm reduction .
The UK Vaping Industry Association ( UKVIA ) says this brings an ideal opportunity for a post-Brexit Britain to “ demonstrate its legislative independence outside of the EU .”
It said : “ The review of the TRPR should be used to further accelerate the potential role of vaping as an effective way of reducing smoking rates and improving public health .”
In its comprehensive ‘ Blueprint for Better Regulation ’ report , the UKVIA calls for :
• Government-approved , expert health claims on products , to encourage smokers to switch ;
• greater opportunities to engage with smokers , as current restrictions deter those who may otherwise switch ;
• expanding existing regulations to cover non-nicotine e-liquids and
• product size changes to reduce plastic waste .
UKVIA Director General John Dunne said : “ The rest of the world is looking to the UK for guidance and to lead by example .”
Andrej Kuttruf , CEO of vape retailer EVAPO , said : “ More than 45 percent of the population still thinks vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking , but under
EU regulations we can ’ t communicate the health benefits of vaping to smokers .” The UKVIA said its proposed changes would also help the government meet its ‘ smoke-free 2030 ’ target .
It highlighted the damaging effect of negative information about vaping , calling
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