Health leaders have launched a new consultation to address concerns about the promotion of vaping products, particularly to children and young people. The consultation aims to ensure that vaping products are not marketed in a way that appeals to minors.
According to health officials, the colourful packaging and names of some vaping products are a concern, as they may be aimed at children and young people. The consultation seeks to make vaping products less appealing to this age group, while allowing adults who are trying to quit smoking to still have access to these products.
England's chief medical officer has previously stated that marketing vapes to children is "utterly unacceptable." Figures suggest that nearly 19% of 11-17-year-olds in Britain have tried vaping, with a charity warning that attractive, colourful branding and images have driven the appeal of vapes to children.
The consultation includes plans for white packaging for vapes with restrictions on text colour, imagery, branding, and standardised product information. This move is inspired by the success of standardised packaging for cigarettes since 2017. The proposals also include inserts for cigarette packs telling smokers where to get help to quit and plans to make all tobacco products, including cigarette rolling paper and cigars, come in plain packaging.
Additionally, the consultation proposes to remove exemptions allowing duty-free shops and airports to display tobacco products, meaning cigarettes and other tobacco products will be restricted from view in these settings. Health leaders hope that these measures will help protect children and young people from the harms associated with nicotine addiction.
The consultation is a step towards stronger regulation of vaping products, with health experts welcoming the move to protect children from the risks of nicotine addiction. Officials say that the aim is to ensure that vaping products are marketed responsibly and do not appeal to minors.
