Weekly Vape News 1

Welcome to the weekly vape news of the week June 25 – July 1, 2023. This article covers the vape news happened in Japan, Lithuania, Thailand, Scotland and Brazil.

1. Japan Tobacco to Discontinue “Ploom Tech” and Introduce New Brand WITH

According to reports from Japanese media, Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) has announced its decision to halt the sales of its heat-not-burn brand, “Ploom Tech,” effective immediately once the remaining inventory is depleted. However, a new brand named “WITH” is set to be launched in the summer of 2023.

Following the discontinuation of Ploom Tech, the six exclusive cartridge brands associated with the device, namely “Mobius Regular,” “Mobius Menthol,” “Mobius Purple,” “Mobius Red Cooler,” “Mobius Gold Regular,” and “Mobius Gold Menthol,” will only be available for purchase through the “CLUB JT online store” starting from the end of August. These cartridges will eventually cease production after December.

The discontinuation also extends to various color options of the “Ploom Tech Starter Kit 1.5” and “Ploom Tech Plus Starter Kit 1.5.” Meanwhile, the forthcoming brand WITH will introduce a new device called “With 2,” with additional details to be revealed in the near future.

2. Lithuania Parliament Approves Amendment to Regulate Tobacco and Related Products

Lithuanian media sources have reported that on June 29th, the country’s parliamentarians granted their approval to an amendment proposed for the “Tobacco, Tobacco Products and Related Products Regulation Act.” Out of the total number of 70 lawmakers, 63 expressed their support for the proposed legislation, while 2 opposed it, and 5 chose to abstain from voting. Currently, the amendment is awaiting final passage.

The approved amendment, set to take effect on May 1st of the following year (instead of the initially planned date of November 1st of the current year), will impose a ban on the use of various flavorings, including sweeteners, in electronic cigarettes. This move aims to regulate and restrict the use of such additives in vaping products. The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Health Affairs Committee also acknowledged the possibility of the amendment coming into effect earlier than the scheduled date.

3. Prospect of Lifting the E-cigarette Ban in Thailand Remains Uncertain

A recent survey conducted by the Department of Health Supportive Services (DHSS) in Thailand has revealed alarming rates of e-cigarette usage among young individuals in the country. The study, spanning from April 25th to June 6th, encompassed a vast sample of 61,688 participants nationwide. The findings demonstrate that a significant 9.1% of Thai youths are actively using e-cigarettes, largely influenced by their peers and friends.

Illicit Status of E-cigarettes in Thailand

Despite being deemed illegal in Thailand since 2014, the possession, sale, and import of e-cigarettes still persist. The prevalence of temporary street vendors, particularly in popular tourist areas, has fueled the consumption of e-cigarettes in the country.

Regional Disparities in E-cigarette Usage

Notably, the survey indicates significant regional disparities in the usage rates of e-cigarettes among Thai youth. Bangkok, the capital city, records the highest prevalence, with a striking 14.6% of young individuals using e-cigarettes.

Influencing Factors

An in-depth analysis of the surveyed population reveals that 92.2% of young e-cigarette users initiated their habit due to influence from friends. Only a small percentage (3.2% and 1.6%) attributed their usage to family members or immediate relatives, respectively. Additionally, a substantial 43.9% of respondents admitted to dual usage of traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Recognizing this concerning trend, the Deputy Director-General of DHSS, Samart Thirasak, has highlighted the need for intervention measures to deter young people from smoking.

Failed Prediction and Current Legal Situation

Contrary to a previous prediction, which speculated that e-cigarettes would be legalized in Thailand in May, the ban remains intact. Possessing e-cigarettes in the country can lead to severe penalties, including confiscation, substantial fines, and up to five years of imprisonment. Nevertheless, Thailand continues to be a prominent market for e-cigarette consumption in Southeast Asia, with enforcement corruption generating significant controversy.

Analysis of Anti-E-cigarette Forces

End Cigarette Smoking Thailand (ECST), an organization dedicated to combating smoking, has analyzed the opposing factions against e-cigarettes. According to Asa Saligupta, the spokesperson for ECST, anti-e-cigarette movements receive substantial support from influential interest groups, some of which receive funding from overseas entities. Notably, the Bloomberg Philanthropies, backed by American billionaire Michael Bloomberg, supports certain anti-e-cigarette organizations operating in Thailand. Additionally, an economics professor estimates that the underground e-cigarette economy in Thailand is valued at approximately 6 billion Thai baht (equivalent to 1.2 billion Chinese yuan).

Speculations and Uncertainty

Previously, experts speculated that the May elections could serve as a potential catalyst for the legalization of e-cigarettes in Thailand. Thanakamanusorn, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society, confirmed that decriminalization would be part of the election manifesto of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP). However, the prospect of lifting the e-cigarette ban in Thailand remains uncertain.

4. Scottish Government Considers Measures to Address Disposable E-cigarette Use

According to a research report commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland, an organization dedicated to achieving zero waste in Scotland, it is estimated that between 21 and 26 million disposable e-cigarettes were used in Scotland in the year leading up to April 2023.

The study reveals that 543,000 people in Scotland are currently using e-cigarettes, with 9% of them being under the age of 16, amounting to 51,000 young users. Additionally, 14% of e-cigarette users are under 18 years old, totaling 78,000 individuals. The report highlights that most underage e-cigarette users prefer disposable options. Among adults, 10.8% are regular e-cigarette users, with 27% of them relying on disposable e-cigarettes.

Lorna Slater, the Minister for Circular Economy, publicly discussed the environmental, community, and youth impacts of disposable e-cigarettes. She has committed to developing plans this year to address the issues associated with them.

The research report suggests nine potential measures to strengthen environmental protection, including banning the sale of disposable e-cigarettes, implementing a deposit return scheme, levying a consumption tax, and prohibiting flavored e-cigarettes.

Earlier this year, Scotland’s Health Secretary confirmed the government’s consideration of a ban on disposable e-cigarettes. Industry stakeholders, such as VPZ, the leading e-cigarette retail chain with 150 stores, have also called for stricter regulation of e-cigarette sales channels. VPZ recently launched a disposable e-cigarette recycling service.

Despite the ongoing efforts of Imperial Tobacco, which recently introduced four new flavors for their disposable e-cigarette brand, Blu Bar, the possibility of a complete ban on disposable e-cigarettes does not have overwhelming support. Instead, there seems to be a focus on stricter enforcement, improved age verification measures, and mature recycling mechanisms to mitigate the harm of disposable e-cigarettes on the health of minors and the environment.

5. Brazil Considers Public Consultation for Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes

According to reports from Brazilian media on June 25th, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) is planning to engage in public consultation regarding the regulation of electronic cigarettes in the first half of this year. Antonio Barra Torres, the agency’s director, stated that they are currently in the stage of preparing a standard draft. Presently, the marketing, importation, and distribution of electronic cigarettes in Brazil are considered illegal. Individuals involved in importing electronic cigarette devices, accessories, or e-liquids may face legal penalties, including fines of up to 1.5 million Brazilian reals.

During the public consultation process, members of the public will have a designated period to submit their opinions and perspectives to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency. Before submission to the agency’s collegiate board, the technical department will consolidate the input, and the collegiate board will ultimately make the final decision on the regulation.

A thriving black market for electronic cigarettes has emerged in Brazil due to ineffective enforcement of the ban and rampant smuggling, as we previously highlighted in our article “Decoding the Latin American Market: “Borrowing” from Paraguay, Supporting Brazil’s 9 Billion Market?”.

Based on data from Ipec Intelligence, the number of electronic cigarette users in Brazil has significantly increased. In 2018, there were approximately 500,000 users, which surged to over 940,000 in 2020, and exceeded 2 million in 2021, reflecting a growth rate of over 300%. According to Jaime Recena, Government Relations Director of the Brazil Bar and Restaurant Association, the estimated user base of 2 million suggests that the Brazilian market is worth around 7 billion reals (approximately 9.2 billion Chinese yuan) annually.

A separate survey conducted by Datafolha in February 2022 revealed that 3% of Brazilian adults use electronic cigarettes on a daily or occasional basis, with most of the products originating from smuggling activities. Extrapolating from the total adult population aged 18 and above, it is estimated that Brazil may have approximately 4.7 million electronic cigarette users.

While there have been limited calls for the legalization of electronic cigarettes in Brazil, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency voted last July to maintain the ban, with only one dissenting vote from the lawyer representing Philip Morris. With another year passing, Brazil has now resumed the routine process of public consultation on electronic cigarette regulation. It remains to be seen whether this signifies a potential path towards legalization for electronic cigarettes in Brazil, and we will continue to closely monitor developments.