SOUTH AFRICA, PRETORIA, 24 August 2022 – The Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) is pleased to welcome the Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA) as its newest member. The ARB is the self-regulatory body that administers the industry-owned Code of Advertising Practice around the content of advertising. The VPASA represents manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of smoke-free vapour products in South Africa and is committed to ensuring quality and safety in all its members’ products and marketing.
“Vapour products are currently falling into a lacuna in regulation in South Africa, so we are excited that the industry is pro-actively seeking to commit itself to responsible advertising through its membership of the ARB,” says Gail Schimmel, CEO of the ARB. “We think that by working together we will ensure the protection of the consumer and responsible communication.”
“One of our core principles is providing an alternative to combustible tobacco products for adult consumers. VPASA has developed self-regulating guidelines for its members which include standards aimed at preventing youth access to the products. We work with the government and other stakeholders such as the ARB to develop processes, legal regulations and standards for our industry and ensure that consumers have access to all available information about vapour products and that minors are protected. Our membership of the ARB will ensure that we have enforceable standards around this shared vision,” explains Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of VPASA. “We are incredibly excited to take this important history-making step towards regulating our industry.”
The ARB and VPASA are working on Code inclusions for the Vapour industry, which will focus on youth protection, and clear, truthful claims. For more information on the ARB visit www.arb.org.za
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 government, regulators, consumers, and the public. For more information about VPASA visit www.vpasa.org.za
