South Africa Moves Closer To Tough New Smoking And Vaping Laws
South Africa's Parliament is advancing strict new laws banning indoor smoking, plain packaging, and advertising for tobacco and vaping products.Summary
South Africa's long-delayed revamp of smoking laws is moving forward as the Portfolio Committee on Health begins clause-by-clause deliberations on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. After a vote in June, MPs are now considering amendments to address concerns, including a distinction between combustible and non-combustible products. The proposed legislation aims to ban indoor smoking and vaping in public spaces, enforce plain packaging with graphic warnings, remove retail displays, prohibit advertising, and restrict sales through vending machines. To mitigate the risk of illicit trade, the committee emphasizes the ratification of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products. The chair of the committee noted "broad alignment" among political parties as a positive sign for the legislation's progress.
(Source：2oceansvibe News)
