The General Scheme for a Nicotine Inhaling Products Bill proposes:
- A prohibition on point-of-sale display and advertising in shops other than those who only or primarily sell these products.
- Restrictions on colours and imagery on packaging and devices, as well as a ban on devices resembling or functioning as other products, such as toys or games.
- A prohibition on all flavour descriptors and language other than basic flavour names.
- A limit on flavours in nicotine inhaling products to tobacco, with provisions to amend the list of allowed flavours as new evidence presents.
- A prohibition on the import, manufacture and sale of single-use or disposable vapes.
There is presently a ban on selling nicotine inhaling products to under 18s.
Irish minister for health, Stephen Donnelly, welcomed the decision.
He commented: “I know that some adult smokers use nicotine inhaling products to quit smoking so these products, other than disposable vapes, will continue to remain available. The measures I am taking are to reduce use among the youth, so that our children can grow up without the risks associated with these products.”
Minister of state at the department of the environment, climate and communications, with special responsibility for circular economy, Ossian Smyth, said: “I am very pleased to see that this Bill has received Government approval.
“It will achieve the dual policy objectives of health protection and environmental protection.
“Single-use vapes are a challenge in the context of waste management and are a wasteful use of critical raw materials. They are also very damaging to the environment when discarded as litter.
“I have been working with Minister Donnelly for some time with a view to ensuring that the aims of both our departments are achieved and I am very supportive of this legislative proposal.”
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