In response to the request for a public consultation with 3,000 people, the government is preparing to authorize e-cigarette advertising.
It is a new wind which blows on the e-cigarette in France. A few months ago, the government’s word on the product was cautious to say the least. “It is better not to smoke. But better the electronic cigarette than just the cigarette ”, indicated the Minister of Health. Marisol Touraine then relied on the latest report from Public Health England (PHE). He said last summer that vaping was “at least” 95% less harmful than smoking.
But the time for official recognition by the health authorities seems near. Recently, the Director General of Health (DGS) urgently met with vaping associations. This interview ended with a promise from the Ministry of Health. That of including the vape in the tools to help with smoking cessation.
In return, users have sent out calming signals. Through their structures which bring together many health professionals, they have thus withdrawn their appeal before the Council of State. It sought to overturn the advertising ban that applies to electronic cigarettes. These activists also demanded more adequate measures that respect fundamental freedoms. “As part of a common work,” they added.
It is in this context that the SOVAPE association organized for a week a ” Consultation public on freedom of expression regarding vaping: propaganda, direct advertising and indirect »In which more than 3,100 people participated (vapers, vaping professionals, etc.) A summary of the discussions was sent to the DGS, Prof. Benoît Vallet, on Tuesday.
Professionals want a clear line
First, vapers still cannot digest the regulations on the device that came into force in May 2016. This was modeled on the tobacco model. In other words, a total ban on all propaganda, but without defining the term. “This situation risks limiting all information on vaping to the sole official authorities of health ”, fear vapers.
They add that “the very many smokers who wish to quit outside of a medical course are seriously harmed by communication bans which weigh on professionals. and individuals who talk about vaping, materials, liquids and Techniques “. Their conclusion is as follows: “There is total consensus that the advertising bans and propaganda are absolutely contrary to the experience lived until today ”.
Advertising reauthorized in 2017
The participants in this consultation therefore no longer hesitate to request a modification of the articles. L3513-4 and L3515-3 of the Code of health public, texts which provide that “propaganda or advertising, direct or indirect, in favor of vaping products is prohibited”, under penalty of being fined 100,000 euros.
In practice, the associations will participate in updating circular n ° 2014-273 of September 25, 2014 relating to the regulation of advertising of electronic vaping devices. Exchanges and working meetings are already scheduled so that this new circular can be published by January 2017.
Finally, if the idea of including the electronic cigarette in smoking cessation tools is very topical, on the other hand, its reimbursement is not on the agenda.
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