In September, the new policies of electronic cigarettes in various countries mainly involved the strengthening of supervision, market norms and health risk response. The following is a summary of the new policies of e-cigarettes in some countries:
I. China
In order to thoroughly implement the "Measures for the Administration of Electronic Cigarettes", further strengthen the management of electronic cigarette transactions, standardize the order of the production and circulation of electronic cigarettes, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of e-cigarette market players, the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration issued the revised "Rules for the Administration of Electronic Cigarette Transactions".
The detailed rules consist of six chapters and thirty articles, the main contents of which include the name and explanation of the unified standard of the transaction subject into the supplementary provisions, re-sorting the type of transaction, improving the total amount management, and adding and simplifying some management requirements.
The department of tobacco monopoly Administration under The State Council has established a unified national e-cigarette trading management platform, requiring all e-cigarette related enterprises that have obtained tobacco monopoly licenses to conduct transactions and record through the platform.
Adhere to the market to determine the price, and establish and improve the price formation mechanism of electronic cigarette products mainly regulated by the market. The ex-factory price and suggested retail price of domestic and domestic e-cigarette products shall be determined independently by the enterprise, and the wholesale price shall be reasonably determined by the enterprise on the basis of the ex-factory price.
Ii. Australia
Since July 1, 2024, Australia has included e-cigarettes in the scope of drug management and officially separated from the regulation of AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Management Agency).
After the implementation of the new law, non-pharmacy retailers such as tobacco merchants, vapers and convenience stores will not be able to sell any type of e-cigarette, while therapeutic e-cigarettes that meet the requirements of the TGA (Australian Medicines Administration) will continue to be sold in pharmacies.
Before September 30, 2024, purchasing e-cigarettes with nicotine or zero nicotine substances required a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner. The flavors of therapeutic e-cigarettes are limited to menthol, menthol and tobacco.
3. The United Kingdom
The update to the single-use e-cigarette ban is expected to be announced on September 6, and the ban is expected to take effect on April 1, 2025. The government is also considering extending restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes to indoor areas in public places, and intends to ban the use of e-cigarettes in public places.
At the same time, retail brands launched a petition against the ban on flavored e-cigarettes, reflecting the market's concern about the taste restriction policy of e-cigarettes.
Iv. France
Ban on the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes: France has banned the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes in September 2024. In addition, French Polynesia also plans to ban the sale of single-use e-cigarettes by 2025.
Policy background: These measures are part of the "National Tobacco Control" program to address the increasing number of smokers, especially the popularity of single-use e-cigarettes among young people.
In addition to banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, the French government may also take the following measures to strengthen the regulation of the e-cigarette market:
Limit fragrances: Limit the fragrances that e-cigarette products can use to reduce their appeal.
Plain packaging: Use plain packaging to reduce visual appeal.
Limit nicotine content and capacity: Limit the nicotine content in e-cigarettes and the capacity of liquid storage tanks and replacement liquids to reduce the risk of use.
Review of tax on tobacco products: Tax policies on tobacco products may be adjusted to further control consumption.
License system: requires a license to import, produce, and sell e-cigarette products, and strengthens market access management.
Specific consumption areas: Develop specific areas for the consumption of e-cigarettes to control their use in public places.
The ban on the sale of disposable e-cigarettes will have a significant impact on the French e-cigarette market, and relevant companies and brands need to adjust their production and sales strategies.
International trends: France's approach also reflects a global trend of increased regulation of e-cigarettes, with other countries considering or having already implemented similar regulatory measures.
V. Russia
When Price controls will be implemented: From September 1, 2024, Russia will implement a new price control policy for tobacco and alternatives.
Price adjustments: Minimum retail prices for e-cigarettes, cartridges, shisha blends (including tobacco-free categories) and e-cigarette liquids will be subject to strict state controls. Prices for some products are expected to rise four to five times. For example, the minimum retail price of a standard 30-milliliter bottle of e-cigarette liquid will reach 1,800 rubles, about five times the current market price.
Price fluctuations: Due to legal loopholes, merchants need to make a second price adjustment before September 7. During the week, consumers will face a double whammy of prices. For example, the temporary minimum retail price (MRIR) for 30 ml of e-cigarette nicotine liquid is 2,130 rubles (about $23), while from September 8, this price will be reduced to 1,800 rubles (about $20).
Sales restrictions prohibit public display: e-cigarette devices will no longer be allowed to be displayed publicly in stores, and can only be displayed at the customer's request. This measure is in line with the regulations on the sale of tobacco products.
Restrictions on sales channels: E-cigarettes can only be retailed in stores and kiosks, and sales of e-cigarettes are prohibited at trade fairs, exhibitions, through distribution and hawkers, remotely, and in vending machines.
To sum up, the new e-cigarette policies of various countries in September reflect the strengthening trend of the regulation of e-cigarettes around the world, aiming to regulate the market order through legislative means, protect public health and deal with the health risks brought by e-cigarettes.