CAPHRA Calls for Disbanding of Vaping Regulatory
CAPHRA calls for the New Zealand Ministry of Health Vaping Regulatory Authority to be disbanded following its admission of issuing threats
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by Dave Cross
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The New Zealand Ministry of Health admitted to incorrectly threatening vape retailers, resulting in a legal victory for VAPO.
“CAPHRA believes that the VRA's incorrect interpretation of regulations and subsequent actions against vape retailers demonstrate a lack of competence and effectiveness in fulfilling its role and responsibilities”, said Nancy Loucas, a prominent New Zealand public health consumer advocate and executive coordinator of CAPHRA.
The organisation emphasises the potential negative impacts of the Ministry of Health's actions on public health and the vaping industry, as well as the need for a more effective regulatory body.
CAPHRA spokesperson, Nancy Loucas, stated: "The recent court case involving VAPO highlights the VRA's inability to effectively regulate the vaping industry. It is time for the Ministry of Health to disband the VRA and establish a more competent and effective regulatory body that can protect public health and support the growth of a responsible vaping industry and includes consumer stakeholders.
“Hiding behind Article 5.3 of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and not engaging with those affected is a blatant cop out and seeks to cover up their own incompetence”, added Ms Loucas.
The court case involving VAPO revealed that the Ministry of Health had incorrectly interpreted regulations, leading to the court's declaration in favour of VAPO. This outcome raises concerns about the VRA's ability to effectively regulate the vaping industry and protect public health.
“CAPHRA urges the Ministry of Health to take immediate action to disband the VRA and establish a more effective regulatory body that can better serve the interests of public health by being inclusive of all stakeholders including the vaping industry and consumer stakeholders”, Ms Loucas concluded.
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Advocates (CAPHRA) is a regional alliance of consumer tobacco harm reduction advocacy organisations. It says its mission is to educate, advocate and represent the right of adult alternative nicotine consumers to access and use of products that reduce harm from tobacco use.
The organisation says it is committed to advocating for the rights of consumers across the Asia-Pacific region and their right to access and use evidence-based, regulated, and properly marketed harm reduction products as a means of reducing the devastating impact of smoking-related diseases.
“We encourage further research, open dialogue, and collaboration with governments, health organisations, and stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for public health,” CAPHRA says.
References:
- The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates: https://caphraorg.net/
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
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