In South Africa, a revision of tobacco control legislation introduces plain packaging
South Africa is revising its tobacco legislation, potentially adopting plain packaging for cigarettes while facing industry pressure to relax regulations on vaping products.Summary
South Africa is considering significant changes to its tobacco control laws through the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. The proposed legislation aims to reduce smoking rates, particularly among young people, and alleviate the financial burden of smoking-related illnesses, which cost the country approximately 49 billion rand annually. Key provisions include the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes with standardized packaging and prominent health warnings. However, the bill faces opposition from the tobacco and vaping industries, leading to potential concessions such as relaxed regulations for nicotine pouches and electronic cigarettes. A recent study reveals a concerning rise in vaping among South African high school students, with nearly 18% currently vaping. The bill is still under parliamentary review and, if passed, would represent a major update to tobacco control in South Africa since the early 2000s.
(Source：Génération sans tabac)
