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• ��Kingsley Wheaton, BAT’s Chief Strategy & Growth Officer offered the following remarks as the Global Tobacco & Nicotine Forum 2023 (GTNF) kicked off today.
• ��Mr Wheaton called for a smarter regulatory framework for vapour products to help governments worldwide deliver on their aims for a Smokefree 2030.

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Seoul, Republic of Korea –��A blueprint for how regulators and governments could better regulate vapour products and help smokers switch to less risky^*†��products has been outlined today by Kingsley Wheaton, BAT’s Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, as the Global Tobacco & Nicotine Forum (GTNF) opened in South Korea.

Mr Wheaton explained how BAT’s five-step plan for regulation could support achieving the right balance between harm reduction and mitigating the unintended consequences, including underage access to products.

The ����̽��leader further added that reckless players in the market need to be penalised when they do not abide by the rules.

Kingsley Wheaton, BAT’s Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, said:

“There are five areas where more could be considered in terms of regulation. These are the areas that regulators should explore and establish smart regulation that is right for their market.

“First, on-device technology and functionality: vapour products should be accessible only to adults. Both underage prevention and restriction is crucial. On-device technology, when applied and enforced across entire markets, could help in this regard.

“Second, more recognition is needed that flavours are an important driver of adoption for smokers seeking alternatives. However, flavours in vapour products should not particularly appeal to anyone underage.

“Third is at the manufacturing and import level: ensuring that non-compliant products cannot reach the market in the first place.

“Fourth, where no restrictions exist already, regulators may want to look at who should be able to sell vapour products and where. Reasonable safeguards at the point-of-sale would help ensure these products are sold only to adult consumers. Solutions such as retail licensing and facial recognition technologies should be seriously considered.

“Lastly, enforcement and penalties: governments must wield their power and ensure consumers are purchasing legitimate products. Such measures should be rigorously enforced and those who fail to comply should face meaningful sanctions.”

Mr Wheaton added:��“Let there be no doubt about what ����̽��stands for – a future where reduced-risk^*†��alternatives to smoking are embraced. A future where innovation thrives, and where millions of consumers are free to choose from a range of alternatives. We call upon governments, regulators, and industry peers to rally towards a sustainable and progressive environment in which these products are sold and marketed responsibly.”

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