Shenzhen plans to include e-cigarettes in smoking control regulations — will the upgraded smoking ba

Shenzhen plans to include e-cigarettes in smoking control regulations — will the upgraded smoking ban prohibit e-cigarettes? The Secretariat of the E-Cigarette Committee, invited by the Shenzhen Municipal Standing Committee's Education, Culture, Health, and Sports Work Committee, attended a legislative meeting this morning regarding the "Shenzhen Special Economic Zone Smoking Control Regulations (Amendment Draft for Public Consultation)." Attendees included leaders from the Municipal Standing Committee's Education, Culture, Health, and Sports Work Committee, the Municipal Market Supervision Administration, and the Municipal Health Commission. Representatives from e-cigarette companies, including the vice president unit Bodi Technology Company and e-cigarette distributors, also participated in the meeting.

The Director of the Education, Culture, Health, and Sports Work Committee of the Municipal Standing Committee, Chen, stated: "As people's health awareness increases, smoking control efforts should be strengthened. We plan to revise the smoking control regulations through the Standing Committee to include e-cigarettes in the same smoking control regulations as traditional cigarettes." In response, Secretary Ao Weinuo represented the e-cigarette industry and expressed the following views:

1. E-cigarettes were invented by the Chinese, and Shenzhen produces over 90% of the global e-cigarette market, primarily exporting to the United States and Europe. This is a sunrise industry with a global layout, and the e-cigarette industry contributes to foreign exchange earnings and job creation. Currently, it occupies a very small market share in China, and we should view this emerging industry with an objective, scientific, and rational attitude.
2. E-cigarettes are heated vaporizing devices that do not produce open flames, thus posing no fire hazard. The secondhand smoke they produce has minimal environmental pollution and harm to human health, and should be classified and distinguished, requiring further research and assessment.
3. We understand the inclusion of e-cigarettes in the smoking ban in public places and public transportation; we support the prohibition of sales to minors under 18 years old.
4. We suggest relaxing the scope and enforcement of the smoking ban on e-cigarettes during the legislative revision of the smoking control regulations, categorizing smoking ban locations. Opinions from all parties should be considered comprehensively, and a one-size-fits-all approach should be avoided.

The Director of the Market Supervision Administration, Cui, believes that Shenzhen is a global e-cigarette manufacturing base, primarily focused on exports. Regarding domestic regulatory policies, it is suggested that smoking devices should be managed as ordinary consumer goods, and e-liquids containing nicotine and those without should be classified. The regulatory methods for e-liquids require comprehensive research and assessment, and a blanket approach should be avoided. The e-cigarette industry, primarily focused on exports, should be supported, and the industry should accelerate standardization to promote healthy and sustainable development.

The Municipal Health Commission believes that policies should be formulated from a health perspective, and they do not wish to see young people taking pride in vaping. They suggest that policies should be strict and practical.

Director Li from the Market Supervision Administration also provided data on the number of companies engaged in the e-cigarette industry in Shenzhen, the number of employees, the scale of industry exports, and the number of patents, suggesting that the e-cigarette industry should be evaluated from multiple perspectives, balancing various factors.

After today's meeting, the E-Cigarette Committee will continue to follow up on the relevant situation.