Vapeboss – The Association of Indonesian E-Liquid Producers (APEI) is a forum for vape liquid producers in Indonesia that adheres to Indonesian laws and regulations in exercising the rights and obligations of its members as creative industry MSME entrepreneurs.

APEI Public Relations and Hexjuice Marketing Communication Director, Jimmy Muhammad, stated that as an organization with liquid producers as members, APEI always monitors its members to ensure they do not violate regulations in their business operations.

"Therefore, when there is a crucial issue that is deemed to potentially threaten the sustainability of this creative industry, APEI is obliged to issue an official statement," said Jimmy on Thursday (19/1/2023).

He said this aims to answer the public's questions regarding issues widely discussed in conjunction with the existence of the e-liquid industry as a whole. It also expresses willingness to cooperate in assisting law enforcement officials in handling the recent case of drug abuse by illegal individuals who are not part of and are not connected to any e-liquid producer association in Indonesia.

Jimmy explained that APEI members are e-liquid producers who have obtained legal business permits in Indonesia. "Our e-liquid products have met the standardization and composition requirements for e-liquid approved by Customs and the State, established since 2018," he explained.

Since then, relevant parties have routinely monitored to ensure that products distributed to the public are fit and safe for consumption. Even the attachment of excise stamps to all e-liquid products is a small example of APEI's contribution to the state.

"The distribution of products that we maintain from the production process to reaching the public is always monitored by Customs. Thus, the entire chain contributing to this industry (producers, distributors, and stores) has become a good ecosystem and does not engage in irregularities," he said.

In addition, APEI also always educates consumers by emphasizing that they must choose official e-liquid products with excise stamps, sealed, and from legal producers. One of their massive educational channels is through vape stores spread throughout Indonesia. The goal is for the message to be better conveyed to consumers.

"With all these efforts we make to maintain the trust of the government and consumers. The emergence of irresponsible parties misusing e-liquid by mixing it with illegal substances, we deeply regret because it greatly impacts and also harms us as producers," he emphasized.

Responding to the incident of drugs in e-liquid produced by illegal individuals, APEI also issued a stance.

APEI's Stance Statement

We hereby declare that the use of narcotics and other illegal drugs using e-liquid as a delivery medium has never been carried out by e-liquid producers who are APEI members and are legally registered with the State.

Regarding the e-liquid misuse case that occurred, APEI as an association states its readiness to take part in the war against narcotics and illegal drug abuse.

APEI also deeply regrets the efforts of certain parties who issue assumptive statements and only look from one side without proper solutions. These statements are very detrimental and even endanger the development of the vape industry which has contributed to the country.

With the formation of this positive and quite rapid industry trend, it is impossible for us as producers who follow strict government regulations, to take actions that will certainly harm our own business. APEI and its members, from the past, now, and in the future, remain committed to not producing and selling illegal products.

Therefore, we hope that the government and related parties can protect this creative MSME industry to continue to grow and not unilaterally undermine or blame that this industry has harmed the country. APEI supports the government in issuing alternative tobacco product regulations based on science and facts and involving all stakeholders.

Source: Republika