Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Vapers body condemns exclusion of consumers at WHO conference

Vapers body condemns exclusion of consumers at WHO conference

As the tenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control convened on Monday, the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA) has criticised the exclusion of consumers from the decision-making process and the potential implementation of measures that could severely undermine harm reduction efforts globally.

“At COP10, decisions are being made without the input of those most affected – the consumers. This exclusion is unacceptable. Harm reduction saves lives, and it's imperative that this is recognised and integrated into global tobacco control policies,” Michael Landl, director of the WVA, said.


Delegates from more than 180 countries have gathered in Panama City for the biennial meeting, which will focus on tobacco advertising and sponsorship -- as well as new tobacco products, such as electronic cigarettes.

Landl noted that the proposed measures at COP10 could drastically restrict access to vaping and other safer nicotine products. These include equating safer nicotine products with traditional cigarettes and prohibiting flavours.

“The potential restrictions being considered at COP10 are not just counterproductive; they're a threat to public health. Restricting access to safer nicotine products will only drive people back to more harmful smoking habits and potentially to the black market,” Landl added.

Globally, smoking is a leading cause of death, with over 8 million people dying each year due to tobacco-related illnesses. In light of this, the WVA argues that policies should be guided by science and evidence. Over 100 global organisations support the benefits of vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking. Cochrane's comprehensive review, along with many studies, confirms vaping's efficacy and reduced harm compared to smoking.

Ignoring this evidence at COP10 could lead to dire consequences, the consumer body said, adding that misinformation and stringent regulations could deter smokers from making healthier choices, potentially leading to a public health disaster.

The WVA urged the FCTC member states to consider a risk-based regulation approach, reflecting the reduced harm of vaping and similar products compared to smoking.

“We cannot afford to let misinformation and misplaced priorities dictate global health policies. It's time for the FCTC to listen to the voices of consumers and the scientific community. We must protect the right to a healthier life and ensure harm reduction remains a viable choice for everyone,” Landl said.

More for you

Edmonton city council debates bylaw to ban sale of knives in convenience stores

iStock image

Edmonton city council debates bylaw to ban sale of knives in convenience stores

Edmonton city council is discussing what it would take to ban knives from being sold in convenience stores, state recent reports.

A key issue during the community and public services committee held on Monday (20) was wading through the potential legal ramifications of defining what a knife is and whether some businesses owners may try to find loopholes to be able to sell knives.

Keep ReadingShow less
Things to know about new Simpler Recycling reforms

iStock image

Things to know about new Simpler Recycling reforms

With just 70 days left to go until the government’s new Simpler Recycling reforms are implemented, most businesses are not prepared for the changes in the rule, claims a leading business waste management service.

Although the UK's overall recycling rate has seen a significant rise, reaching 44 per cent in 2015 compared to just 17 per cent in 2008, progress has plateaued in recent years, with indications that the rate may now be declining.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lioncroft Wholesale founder made Aston University’s new Chancellor

Lioncroft Wholesale founder made Aston University’s new Chancellor

Birmingham entrepreneur and leading wholesale figure Dr Jason Wouhra OBE has been officially installed as Aston University’s new Chancellor.

Dr Wouhra, Aston University’s youngest Chancellor and the first of Asian heritage, was presented with the chancellor’s chain at the beginning of the University’s first winter graduation which was held at Symphony Hall in Birmingham city centre. Spread across three ceremonies, approximately 4,500 graduates and guests attended the event.

Keep ReadingShow less
New buying group shares future vision

New buying group shares future vision

In addition to announcing six brand new members within the first week of January, the new buying group The Wholesale Group last week hosted two briefing events for senior suppliers where it shared details of its plans and future vision.

The senior supplier briefing event, held at Soho Hotel, London last week, saw more than 50 channel directors in attendance plus 150 representatives from leading FMCG suppliers, across all product categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
vape pen
Photo: iStock

Safer alternatives to cigarettes could save millions of lives and billions of pounds, says think tank

Promoting safer alternatives to cigarettes could save 19 million years of life by 2030 and reduce smoking-related costs to taxpayers by up to £12.6 billion annually, a new report from the Adam Smith Institute (ASI) has revealed.

The think tank argues that the UK government's current approach to achieving a Smoke Free 2030 - defined as reducing smoking rates to 5 per cent or lower - is both illiberal and unworkable and will significantly set back progress against smoking related harm. The ASI warns that policies such as a generational tobacco ban, a new tax on vapes, and restrictions on heated tobacco products and flavours will hinder harm reduction efforts.

Keep ReadingShow less