Philip Morris Brazil Pushes for Vaping Regulation in Brazil

Philip Morris Brazil is pressuring the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) to push for regulation of e-cigarettes<\/strong> in Brazil.<\/p>

The health agency launched a public consultation on the 12th, and this multinational company quickly initiated a campaign encouraging participation, advocating for the regulation of e-cigarette products<\/strong>. The campaign, named "Quero Escolher," states its opposition to banning e-cigarettes and lists arguments in favor of regulatory management.<\/p>

Philip Morris Brazil claims that the best choice for any smoker is to quit, but if that is not possible, they should choose smoke-free products like e-cigarettes, as they pose "less potential harm to health." Senior Corporate Affairs Manager Rafael Bastos stated: "(Using regulated e-cigarettes) is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. Traditional cigarettes are the worst way to consume nicotine." He pointed out that due to the lack of transparency in the illegal market, Anvisa currently knows nothing about the ingredients in e-cigarettes—a problem that could be resolved through regulatory management.<\/p>

In this context, the company has decided to completely shift its business model towards smoke-free products like e-cigarettes. Bastos stated: "This is the future of our company. Our heated tobacco products are sold in nearly 80 countries—but Brazilian smokers cannot access these products."<\/p>

Since 2009, e-cigarettes have been banned in Brazil, but according to an Ipec survey, about 2.2 million Brazilians use e-cigarettes. Therefore, Philip Morris believes that Brazilian consumers have decided to use this substance regardless of its legality and urgently need regulation to consume it in the best way. Bastos stated: "These products are increasingly entering (Brazil), and the reason is clear: there is demand. Currently, e-cigarette smuggling is funding criminal gangs."<\/p>

Bastos emphasized that Brazil has significant experience in regulating traditional cigarettes, becoming a model for controlling this substance worldwide, as Brazil has regulated rather than banned it. These historical experiences can guide the regulatory management of e-cigarettes. Anvisa's public consultation on this topic may be the first step towards regulation, which will continue until February 9, 2024.<\/p>