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Starting January 1, 2025, Belgium will prohibit the sale of disposable vapes, commonly referred to as ‘vapes,’ following approval from the European Commission. This landmark decision was announced by Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) on Saturday. Smoking remains one of the leading causes of illness and preventable death in Belgium. To combat this, Vandenbroucke has introduced a series of measures under his “anti-tobacco plan,” aimed at encouraging individuals to quit smoking and preventing others from starting. “The disposable vape is highly damaging to both society and the environment, predominantly targeting our youth. I am pleased that we can now take steps to remove this harmful product from the market,” stated Vandenbroucke in a press release. Marketing Concerns and Youth Appeal Vandenbroucke highlighted the concerning marketing strategies used to promote these vapes, describing them as “very savvy” and “youth-oriented.” Despite the current ban on selling vapes to minors in Belgium, a 2023 inspection revealed that approximately 75% of sales points still sold disposable vapes to minors, violating existing regulations. In his 2021 anti-tobacco plan, Vandenbroucke had already outlined intentions to ban disposable vape by 2025. Regulations for this ban were submitted to the European Commission, necessitating a review against the Tobacco Products Directive. After three years of ongoing discussions and additional arguments, the Commission finally approved the ban this week. A Pioneering Role in Europe “Belgium is leading the way in Europe in challenging the influence of the tobacco lobby,” Vandenbroucke emphasized. “This decision marks a significant milestone in our ongoing battle against tobacco.” With the Royal Decree now in progress, Belgium will become the first European country to outlaw the sale of disposable vape. “Our goal is to cultivate a smoke-free generation, protecting young people from exposure to tobacco and alternative smoking methods,” Vandenbroucke said. “By removing this extremely harmful and low-cost product from the market, we are taking a vital step in this direction.” Regulation of Non-Disposable Vapes While regular, non-disposable vapes will remain available for purchase, as they are often used as smoking cessation tools, new restrictions will apply. “We have agreed that these products should no longer feature lights or other attractive elements,” Vandenbroucke announced. “The primary purpose of these vapes should be to help individuals quit smoking, not to entice them to start.” This decisive action by Belgium sets a precedent for other European nations and reinforces the country’s commitment to public health and environmental protection. Contact: lori@vapevision.org For more information, visit vapevision.org

New Zealand has announced its decision to ban disposable e-cigarettes, or vapes, as part of an initiative to prevent minors from taking up vaping. This new regulation will also increase penalties for those caught selling these products to underage individuals. The announcement comes just weeks after New Zealand rolled back a law introduced by the previous left-leaning government aimed at phasing out tobacco smoking. That repealed law included measures such as reducing nicotine levels and imposing a lifetime cigarette ban on anyone born after 2008. Key Smoking Cessation Tool Associate Health Minister Casey Costello highlighted the dual role of vape, acknowledging their importance as a tool for quitting smoking while addressing the rising concern over youth vaping. “Vaping has significantly lowered our smoking rates, but the surge in vaping among young people is troubling for parents, educators, and healthcare providers,” Costello remarked. Increased Fines for Retailers The new legislation will impose substantial fines on retailers selling vapes to minors. Businesses found guilty will face fines of up to 100,000 New Zealand dollars (€55,590), and individuals will be fined 1,000 New Zealand dollars (€556). Additionally, the regulations will prohibit the sale of vape with packaging or branding that might attract young people. Global Movement Against Disposable Vapes New Zealand joins a growing list of countries taking action against disposable vape. The global push to regulate these products is driven by concerns over their appeal to minors and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. Preventing Youth Vaping The New Zealand government’s move to ban disposable vapes underscores a broader effort to curb youth vaping. By eliminating products that are particularly enticing to young people, the government aims to prevent the initiation of nicotine use at an early age. The ban is part of a comprehensive strategy to address public health concerns related to smoking and vaping. Impact on Retailers and Consumers Retailers will need to adapt to the new regulations, ensuring they comply with the stricter rules to avoid hefty fines. Consumers, particularly those using disposable vapes as a smoking cessation aid, will need to explore alternative products that comply with the new law. Comparisons with International Efforts Similar measures are being implemented worldwide. For instance, the UK has also announced a ban on single-use vapes, reflecting a global trend towards stricter regulation of vaping to protect public health and the environment. Public Health and Environmental Benefits The ban on disposable vapes is expected to yield significant public health benefits by reducing nicotine addiction among young people. It also addresses environmental concerns, as single-use vape contributes to plastic waste and pollution. Future Steps As New Zealand prepares to enforce this ban, continuous monitoring and adaptation of regulations will be necessary to ensure they remain effective in protecting youth and supporting smokers who wish to quit. The government’s commitment to a smoke-free future is evident in these proactive measures. For further details on the new regulations and their implications, please visit the official New Zealand government health website. News Source: https://vapevision.org/new-zealand-to-prohibit-disposable-vape-to-curb-youth-vaping/

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2016/09/14/scientific-evidence-grows-for-e-cigarettes-as-quit-smoking-aids.html They're catching on....