In this article...
- What is the IBVTA Manifesto?
- 1. Regulations Needed for Vaping vs. Smoking
- 2. Emphasizing the Health Benefits of Vaping
- 3. The Importance of Flavoured E-liquids for Adults
- 4. Public Health Considerations in Single-Use Vape Regulation
- 5. Tackling the Threat of Illicit Vapes
- 6. Rethinking Tax Policies to Reflect Vaping's Reduced Harm
- Regulations for Vaping
- Recognizing Health Benefits
- Importance of Flavours
- Balanced Regulation and Tax
The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has unveiled its Responsible Vaping Manifesto, underscoring an important initiative to shape the future of vaping regulations in the UK. Representing a significant portion of the vaping industry, the IBVTA is dedicated to promoting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking. Totally Wicked is one of the founder members of the IBVTA, and has worked hard to develop and promote the association with other vape businesses since 2016.
As the UK approaches the general election on July 4th, the IBVTA is committed to working together with the incoming Government to ensure that new vaping policies and regulations do not hinder the ongoing efforts to help smokers quit. Just as importantly, they want to make sure vaping stays enjoyable for existing vapers.
What is the IBVTA Manifesto?
The IBVTA’s manifesto outlines six key principles aimed at reducing youth vaping while recognising the proven role of vaping in supporting adult smoking cessation. By advocating fair, evidence-based regulations, the IBVTA seeks to correct misconceptions about vaping, highlight its health benefits, and ensure that flavours remain accessible to adult smokers and vapers.
This commitment reflects the IBVTA’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for vapers, protecting public health, and enhancing the credibility and safety of the vaping market. The IBVTA has produced a manifesto in the run up to the election to ensure that potential MPs are able to understand some of the key policy issues associated with vaping. This will give them an opportunity to understand regulations that they shape in future.
1. Regulations Needed for Vaping vs. Smoking
Smoking is a leading cause of preventable deaths in the UK, but vaping is significantly less harmful[i]. By treating vaping differently from smoking, regulations can support vaping as a safer alternative and effective smoking cessation tool. This means more favourable policies for vapers and less confusion between vaping and smoking laws.
Key Points:
- Vaping is less harmful than smoking.
- Regulations should support vaping as a smoking cessation tool.
- Differentiating vaping from smoking can lead to better policies for vapers.
2. Emphasizing the Health Benefits of Vaping
Many people still believe that vaping is as harmful as smoking [ii], which isn’t true. Accurate information about the health benefits of vaping can encourage more smokers to switch to vaping, improving public health and supporting you in your vaping journey.
Key Points:
- Correcting misconceptions about vaping’s harm can support smokers to switch.
- Accurate information can lead to better public health outcomes.
3. The Importance of Flavoured E-liquids for Adults
If you enjoy flavoured e-liquids, you’ll be glad to know that the IBVTA emphasises the importance of flavours in helping adults switch from smoking to vaping. Properly regulated flavours can help keep vaping enjoyable and effective as a smoking cessation tool.
Key Points:
- Flavours are crucial for adults switching from smoking.
- Responsible marketing of flavours ensures they remain available for adult vapers.
4. Public Health Considerations in Single-Use Vape Regulation
The previous Government committed to banning all disposable vapes by April 1st 2025, and we believe the incoming Government will continue on this path. Banning single-use vapes without addressing consumer behaviour or the consequences of a ban for the illicit market could lead to unintended negative consequences. Therefore, thoughtful regulation is essential.
Key Points:
- Banning single use vapes will lead to a number of consumers either buying illicit vapes on the black market, or going back to smoking.
- Regulations should balance public health with consumer needs.
5. Tackling the Threat of Illicit Vapes
Illicit vapes pose a significant threat to consumer safety due to their lack of regulation. The IBVTA’s manifesto emphasizes cracking down on these illegal products to ensure safer vaping for consumers. By focusing on making only tested and approved products available, the IBVTA aims to protect vapers’ health and boost the credibility of the legitimate vaping market.
Key Points:
- Illicit vapes pose considerable safety risks.
- Stronger enforcement can ensure safer products for consumers.
6. Rethinking Tax Policies to Reflect Vaping’s Reduced Harm
If you’re concerned about the cost of vaping, the IBVTA’s call for fair taxation is important. They argue for a tax system that doesn’t disproportionately impact vapers, recognising the relative harm reduction compared to smoking. This means that taxes need to be carefully considered to ensure that smokers wanting to switch, aren't put off by an increase in vape prices caused by taxation.
Key Points:
- Fair taxation can keep vaping affordable.
- Balanced tax policies should reflect vaping’s harm reduction benefits.
The IBVTA's Responsible Vaping Manifesto is designed to create a supportive environment for vapers like you. By advocating fair regulations, accurate information, and a focus on public health. The IBVTA aims to ensure that vaping remains an effective and accessible tool for smoking cessation. This manifesto not only helps protect your rights as a vaper but also promotes a safer and more informed vaping community.
[i] https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking/
[ii] https://ash.org.uk/media-centre/news/press-releases/new-figures-show-youth-vaping-has-plateaued-while-adult-vaping-is-at-an-all-time-high
