VPASA announces industry vaping adverting code to curb marketing to minors and false health claims

VPASA announces industry vaping adverting code to curb marketing to minors and false health claims
VPASA announces industry vaping adverting code to curb marketing to minors and false health claims

SOUTH AFRICA, Pretoria, 15 March 2023: The Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA) is thrilled to announce the adoption of a new vaping code, to regulate the marketing of vaping-related products, in collaboration with the Advertising Regulatory Board of South Africa. The new appendix is applied immediately and includes the following statements amongst others:

  • Advertising related to nicotine-containing vapour products shall contain the following warning “This product contains nicotine and is addictive”.
  • Advertising claims should not be confusing and or misleading to the public.
  • Advertising shall not be placed unless at least 75% or more of its intended audience is people over 18 years of age.

“We are excited about this achievement and our work with stakeholders such as the ARB and SABS to develop processes, legal regulations, and standards for our industry and ensure that consumers have access to all available information about vapour products, and most important that minors are protected”, explains Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of VPASA.

“This is an inspiring example of an industry stepping up to the plate and embracing ethical advertising through self-regulation, in an area where there has been no other action,” says Gail Schimmel, CEO of the ARB. “We are proud to be part of this important development in consumer protection.”

This code complements VPASA’s own guidelines for its members aimed at preventing youth access to vapour products. Members of the vaping industry, including non-members of VPASA are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the code as part of the industry’s commitment to reduce smoking while discouraging non-smokers from taking up vaping. To access the full appendix click here.

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ABOUT VPASA:

The Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA) represents Electronic Vapour Products (EVP) products manufacturers, retailers, and importers. The association serves as the united, official voice of the industry to the government, regulators, consumers, and the public, for more information visit www.vpasa.org.za