In a move set to elevate consumer safety within the vaping industry, the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has officially published its long-anticipated standard for vaping products.
This marks a significant milestone for both manufacturers and consumers alike, according to Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of the Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA).
The new standard, now available for purchase from the SABS, lays out comprehensive guidelines aimed at ensuring consistency, safety, and quality across the market for vaping products. It encompasses crucial elements including manufacturing, packaging, labelling, and testing protocols, alongside regulations governing the composition of e-liquids.
One of the defining features of this standard is the establishment of a nicotine ceiling set at 35%. Gcoyi emphasised the importance of this regulation, stating, “Our commitment to consumer safety is paramount. Implementing a nicotine content ceiling will align South Africa’s vaping market with international standards to safeguard consumers from excessively high nicotine concentrations.”
This ceiling is a pivotal aspect, keeping South African regulations in sync with other countries, notably Sweden, Canada, and the UK, where similar measures have already been adopted.
As the South African vaping industry embarks on this critical phase of transition, it is imperative for all stakeholders—including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers—to familiarise themselves with these new standards.
Although adherence to these guidelines remains voluntary, Gcoyi encourages compliance by all involved parties, underscoring the relevance of the Consumer Protection Act, which obligates stakeholders to align their products with established standards. “These standards will help consumers make informed choices about the vaping products they use, knowing that those adhering to SABS guidelines have been designed with their safety in mind,” Gcoyi added.
The release of the vaping products standard not only represents progress for an evolving industry but also demonstrates a commitment to protecting consumers as the market continues to expand.
As South Africa marks this important development in vaping regulation, it paves the way for a safer and more responsible approach to vaping, resonating with a global trend focused on consumer welfare.