A blueprint for how regulators and governments could better regulate vapour products and help smokers switch to less risky*† products has been outlined on Tuesday by Kingsley Wheaton, British American Tobacco (BAT’s) Chief Strategy & Growth Officer as the Global Tobacco & Nicotine Forum (GTNF) opened in South Korea.
Mr Wheaton explained how BAT’s five-step plan for regulation could support achieving the right balance between harm reduction and the mitigating unintended consequences, including underage access to products.
The BAT leader further added that reckless players in the market need to be penalised when they
do not abide by the rules. Kingsley Wheaton, BAT’s Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, said: “There are five areas where more could be considered in terms of regulation. These are the areas
that regulators should explore and establish smart regulation that is right for their market.”
“First, on-device technology and functionality: vapour products should be accessible only to
adults. Both underage prevention and restriction is crucial. On-device technology, when applied
and enforced across entire markets, could help in this regard. Second, more recognition is needed that flavours are an important driver of adoption for smokers seeking alternatives. However, flavours in vapour products should not particularly appeal to anyone underage.”
“Third is at the manufacturing and import level: ensuring that non-compliant products cannot
reach the market in the first place. Fourth, where no restrictions exist already, regulators may want to look at who should be able to sell vapour products and where. Reasonable safeguards at the point-of-sale would help ensure these products are sold only to adult consumers. Solutions such as retail licensing and facial recognition technologies should be seriously considered. Lastly, enforcement and penalties: governments must wield their power and ensure consumers are purchasing legitimate products. Such measures should be rigorously enforced and those who fail to comply should face meaningful sanctions.”
Mr Wheaton added: “Let there be no doubt about what BAT stands for – a future where reduced-risk alternatives to smoking are embraced. A future where innovation thrives, and where millions of consumers are free to choose from a range of alternatives. We call upon governments, regulators, and industry peers to rally towards a sustainable and progressive environment in which these products are sold and marketed responsibly.”
The GTNF is the global exchange for views and ideas between public health experts, government representatives, the industry and investors. It was founded in Rio de Janeiro in 2008 to promote dialogue and shape the future together. Since then, it has traveled the world to accomplish the same.