Ban Threatens Smokefree Progress
A proposed vape ban threatens smokefree progress in Asia Pacific, according to the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates
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by Dave Cross
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The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) has celebrated New Zealand's remarkable progress towards its Smokefree 2025 goal, but at the same time it is cautioning that proposed legislative changes, including a ban on disposable vapes, could undermine its tobacco harm reduction leadership in the region.
CAPHRA Executive Coordinator Nancy Loucas stated: “New Zealand stands on the cusp of an historic public health victory. Thanks to progressive policies supporting vaping and other reduced-risk products, the country is poised to reach its target of less than 5% of the population smoking well ahead of schedule.
“Recent data shows smoking rates have plummeted to just over 6%, down from 16.4% in 2011/12 when the Smokefree 2025 goal was set. This remarkable decline is largely attributed to New Zealand's embrace of tobacco harm reduction strategies, which have served as a model for other countries in the Asia Pacific region.
“New Zealand's success story is built on a foundation of evidence-based policies that recognise the potential of less harmful alternatives to help smokers quit," Loucas explained. "Countries like Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand have looked to New Zealand's regulatory framework to shape their own approaches to tobacco harm reduction.
“However, CAPHRA expresses serious concern over proposed amendments to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill 2024, particularly the ban on closed system vapes.
“As New Zealand approaches the finish line of its Smokefree journey, banning closed system vapes poses a significant risk to this progress and to our standing as a progressive leader in the region. These products have played a crucial role in helping smokers transition away from cigarettes. By banning closed system vapes, the government risks making it harder for people who smoke to access these effective smoking cessation tools.”
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates is recommending a balanced approach that:
- Maintains access to a variety of vaping products, including closed systems
- Implements reasonable regulations without outright bans
- Further expands support for reduced-risk alternatives
- Increases education on the benefits of switching to less harmful products
Loucas concluded: “New Zealand has become a global leader in tobacco harm reduction, inspiring countries across the Asia Pacific to follow suit. We urge the government to build on this success rather than risk undermining it. With thoughtful policies that preserve access to all types of vaping products, New Zealand can cross the Smokefree 2025 finish line and continue to serve as an inspiration for countries worldwide.”
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Advocates is a regional alliance of consumer tobacco harm reduction advocacy organisations. 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.
References
- 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.
