RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Global approaches to regulating electronic cigarettes
JF Tobacco Control
JO Tob Control
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 440
OP 445
DO 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053179
VO 26
IS 4
A1 Ryan David Kennedy
A1 Ayodeji Awopegba
A1 Elaine De León
A1 Joanna E Cohen
YR 2017
UL http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/26/4/440.abstract
AB Objectives Classify and describe the policy approaches used by countries to regulate e-cigarettes.Methods National policies regulating e-cigarettes were identified by (1) conducting web searches on Ministry of Health websites, and (2) broad web searches. The mechanisms used to regulate e-cigarettes were classified as new/amended laws, or existing laws. The policy domains identified include restrictions or prohibitions on product: sale, manufacturing, importation, distribution, use, product design including e-liquid ingredients, advertising/promotion/sponsorship, trademarks, and regulation requiring: taxation, health warning labels and child-safety standards. The classification of the policy was reviewed by a country expert.Results The search identified 68 countries that regulate e-cigarettes: 22 countries regulate e-cigarettes using existing regulations; 25 countries enacted new policies to regulate e-cigarettes; 7 countries made amendments to existing legislation; 14 countries use a combination of new/amended and existing regulation. Common policies include a minimum-age-of-purchase, indoor-use (vape-free public places) bans and marketing restrictions. Few countries are applying a tax to e-cigarettes.Conclusions A range of regulatory approaches are being applied to e-cigarettes globally; many countries regulate e-cigarettes using legislation not written for e-cigarettes.