38 Brazilian associations jointly called for urgent legislation to regulate e-cigarettes as e-cigarette use surges by 600%

38 Brazilian associations jointly called for urgent legislation to regulate e-cigarettes as e-cigarette use surges by 600

38 Brazilian business, trade union, industrial and agricultural associations jointly issued a declaration calling on Congress to urgently regulate the e-cigarette market to deal with the surge in e-cigarette users, serious tax losses and the impact on the health of young people.

 

According to a Revistaoeste report on August 14, 38 Brazilian business, trade union, industrial and agricultural associations jointly signed and issued a declaration urging Congress to carry out "urgent" regulations on e-cigarettes and electronic smoking devices (DEFs).

 

Although the National Health Supervision Agency (Anvisa) has imposed a ban on the product, some 2.9 million people still use e-cigarettes, according to the Institute of Economic and Social Research (IPEC). This is a 600% increase compared to 2018. Another study, conducted by the 2023 Covitel Survey, showed that as many as 4.4 million adults use e-cigarettes.

 

According to MP Hiran Gonçalves (PP-RR), banning the consumption of these products without regulating them is not an effective solution, especially as this habit is particularly pronounced among young people.

 

"I think we should regulate its use and sale, impose high taxes, and use those revenues to treat tobacco and nicotine-related diseases."

 

In addition, he also emphasized that advertising should be strictly controlled.

 

The coalition also pointed out that another important reason for regulating the market is the economic loss to the country.

 

According to research by the Minas Gerais Industry Federation (FIEMG), the e-cigarette market is worth approximately 10.5 billion reais ($2.74 billion), and the market is currently dominated by criminal organizations, with annual federal tax losses of 3.4 billion reais. 2.1 billion reais ($380 million) in state tax revenue.

 

The 38-entity organization also proposed to conduct toxicological and phytosanitary analyzes and conduct educational campaigns to reduce the consumption of e-cigarettes among young people. Additionally, there is a need to limit the nicotine content in these products, as well as restrict flavors and colors that may appeal to young people.

 

Congressman Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), the sponsor of bill PL 5.008/2023, which is awaiting consideration by the Senate Economic Affairs Committee, expressed concerns about e-cigarette use in Brazil.

 

"All kinds of uncontrolled e-cigarettes enter our market, no taxes are paid, and we don't even know what's in these devices. We don't know what 2.9 million Brazilians are using."