Mr. Denis Manturoy, Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia, announced that Russia will prepare to classify vapes in a different category from cigarettes and have separate management.
The Russian government has “decided to put these devices in a separate category because they are too different from regular cigarettes,” Denis Manturoy announced. The move was welcomed by health experts who have pointed out that products should be regulated based on their perceived risk.
“Electronic devices are safer. Many experts, including Western experts, have concluded that electronic nicotine delivery systems are 95% safer than conventional cigarettes. The number itself is still up for debate, but the false rumors are obvious. Therefore, the regulation of tobacco products and e-cigarettes must be kept separate,” Manturoy added.
Russian Ministry of Health encourages people to use electronic cigarettes
The minister also pointed out that the Russian Ministry of Health also agrees with this decision and wants to encourage smokers to switch to safer options as soon as possible. In addition to introducing regulations, the minister also said that it is necessary to include a ban on the sale of the product to minors and its use in schools.
In addition, according to Mr. Manturoy, a system for monitoring cigarette packs will also be prepared. “The system has been named DataMatrix,” the minister said before presenting the idea, “if we use RFID chips at a cost of 3.5 rubles per pack, we can develop domestic microelectronics.”
From prohibition to harm reduction approach
Health experts around the world will be surprised by Russia’s move. Until now, Russia has stuck to its ban stance, but the latest research seems to have changed the government’s mind. Australia, on the other hand, has stuck to its guns, making it difficult for smokers to access safer alternatives.
To buy nicotine e-liquids, smokers in Australia need a doctor’s note and can find a pharmacy that sells them. Ironically, they can easily buy a pack of cigarettes at any time.
Source: Diane Caruana - Vapingpost
Translated by: The Vape Club
