It's been widely reported today that the World Health Organisation has issued a misguided report, calling for heavy-handed (and unnecessary) regulation of e-cigs.
E-cigarettes are not a medical product, nor do we make any claim for their efficacy in helping people quit smoking. What they are, and have been shown to be in a number of scientific studies, is a much safer alternative to conventional tobacco products.
While there are certainly areas where stricter rules have a place, which we wholeheartedly support and already undertake as a responsible brand i.e. – independent product testing, quality assurance, E-liquid ingredients testing, responsible advertising, no sales to under 18s - these would serve only as a legislative backing for the position already held by the wider industry. Calling for a bans on things such as vaping in public and certain flavours, however, entirely misses the point, and simply shows up the WHO's disappointing level of engagement with actual vapers and robust scientific testing and customer surveys already undertaken. Regulation needs to be 'right touch' and balance benefits to smokers against the risks to others.
Instituting the absurd regulations called for by the WHO will only have the effect of forcing hundreds of thousands of people back to smoking, the known killer.
We strongly urge the WHO to actually engage with the vaping industry, use real facts rather than anecdotes and reassess its position in this matter.
JAC Vapour's position on WHO e-cigarette ban proposal
- The WHO proposals are very concerning and ignore the growing body of evidence that shows the importance of e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative to smoking and a credible support to people who wish to stop smoking for the long term
- It is simply wrong to classify e-cigarettes as tobacco products. They are an alternative to tobacco with none of the harmful toxins that tobacco emits.
- It is surely worse for public health to suppress a device that can and currently is helping millions of people to reduce or stop smoking harmful tobacco cigarettes
- Much scientific research supports the benefits of using e-cigarettes, and we believe that the WHO report does not reflect the evidence and research that is been carried out by brands and independent bodies in this area, and the support they receive from many bodies and individuals across the health arena
- Our own JAC Vapour survey of 7000 customers shows that 75% have used our products as a means to successfully stop smoking tobacco cigarettes
- Responsible brands are already adhering to industry regulations with regard to responsible marketing and selling to over 18s only