The use of vapes grows in Brazil, leaving consumers exposed to products without control and origin sold on the illegal market
Electronic cigarettes, even by the (National Health Surveillance Agency) since 2009, have never been so consumed in Brazil. According to the (Intelligence in Research and Strategic Consulting) 2023, even with the ban, there are 2.9 million vape consumers in the country. The survey began in 2018, when there were around 500 thousand regular consumers. Furthermore, 6.3 million adult smokers have tried products sold through illicit trade.
The scenario shows that the current prohibition does not work and that the need for regulation is urgent to stop this lack of control. Vaporizers are not without health risks, but, when regulated, they offer adult smokers a lower risk alternative compared to conventional cigarettes, as long as there is complete replacement and they are regulated products.
This has already been demonstrated by renowned scientific institutions such as and , and why they created rules for the commercialization of these products with adequate safety, inspection and information standards.
Understand the points of the legal industry
- The formal and legal industry does not sell the products currently in circulation in Brazil and defends the creation of strict rules to resolve the current situation of lack of control, with standards for all aspects, from packaging to flavors, rules for points of sale and with criminal liability for improper trade.
- The ban on electronic cigarettes only benefits the illicit market and does not protect minors under 18 who, under no circumstances, should consume such devices. Furthermore, it deprives the more than 20 million Brazilian adult smokers from switching to regulated products that present a potential reduced risk.
- Countries around the world have invested in electronic cigarettes as a way to reduce smoking. Furthermore, regulation tends to expand awareness campaigns. The regulated market allows access to products with phytosanitary control, monitoring and inspection, which follow all the country’s health regulations. Brazil is going against the grain of the world.
- Regulated electronic cigarettes reduce the amount compared to conventional cigarettes, as evidenced by a recent scientific review by King’s College London on the subject. This scientific finding is corroborated by health authorities in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, France and Sweden. Regulation in these countries demonstrates that it is possible to offer adult smokers a reduced-risk alternative, respecting the individual choice of adults.
- The formal and legal industry is against the use of electronic cigarettes by children and adolescents. In regulated markets, it acts to prevent the access and appeal of products to this audience, adopting technology so that only adults can access the devices, in addition to design and communication restrictions.
Clarification note
Vaporizers and heated tobacco products are products intended for people over 18 years of age, just like cigarettes. These products are not without risks.
Reducing the risks of vaporizers and heated tobacco products is based on the most recent scientific evidence available and provided that traditional cigarette consumption is completely replaced.
This content was produced and paid for by . The information and data disclosed in this text are the sole responsibility of the author.
