Executive Summary:
The proposed legislative measure would regulate the packaging, use, sale, distribution, and advertisement of vaporized nicotine products (VNP) to ensure that consumers would be guaranteed the quality and safety of such items available in the market. The regulation of VNP does not aim to discourage the growth and progress of the industry. The regulation of the vape industry will guarantee the continuity of the industry since the current classification of vape instruments as “health-related devices” may potentially increase the costs of e-cigarettes due to the stringent processes these devices have to undergo such as clinical studies and tests. It is seen as a harm reduction industry compared to other tobacco products because it emits less toxins and carcinogens.
The regulation of VNPs will provide a significantly less harmful alternative to cigarettes for smokers who do not or cannot quit smoking.
Aside from regulatory testing by the FDA on the chemicals and by the DTI on the technology used in e-cigarettes, the bill will also mandate the inclusion of a warning on the packages of these e-cigarettes, saying ‘This product may damage your health and is addictive’.
Beneficiary:
Users of VNPs
Status:
The bill has been pending at the House Committee on Health since August 31, 2016
Packaging Content:
Vaporized Nicotine products are required to contain the list of all the device’s components and an instruction for handling, proper use, and maintenance of the device.
Warning Content:
The Graphic Health Warnings Law will not cover VNPs. Unit packets, e-juices, tobacco cartridges, and similar products. It will contain the health warning ‘This product may damage your health and is addictive’.
Minors will not be allowed to transact with vaporized nicotine products.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
First Offense: Fine of not more than P 100,000.00
Second Offense: Fine of not more than P 500,000.00
Third Offense Fine of not more than P 1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of not more than 5 years
Other Details:
The use of vaporized nicotine products shall only be allowed in private spaces and public spaces other than places of worship, hospitals, health care centers, public conveyances, government offices, and educational facilities.
Vaporized nicotine products are not allowed to show advertisements in television, radio, and cinema.
Carcinogens, mutagenics, reprotoxic additives, respiratory sensitizers, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, diacetyl, and 2,3-pentadione are not allowed to be added in VNPs
Products should be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry three months prior to its release in the market.
A Congressional Oversight Committee will be created to monitor and review the implementation of this act.
To read the full House Bill 3330, CLICK ON THIS LINK:
House Bill 3330: Regulating_VNP
