Vapeboss – Some time ago, the Philippine Government passed the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (VVNP). The Indonesian Personal Vaporizer Association (APVI) hopes that the Indonesian Government will follow suit so that related products can more optimally improve public health.

Aryo Andrianto, chairman of APVI, said that initially the Philippine Government rejected alternative tobacco products. However, now the Philippine Government has taken action and supports the use of these products. Not only the Philippines, but several other countries such as England and New Zealand have also done the same.

"Many countries that used to reject the existence of alternative tobacco products. Currently, they are supporting and regulating them after understanding their risk profile," said Aryo.

He added that many scientific studies from within and outside the country have proven that alternative tobacco products are more effective in reducing the number of smokers and can minimize health risks compared to cigarettes. Therefore, the presence of alternative tobacco products is more able to help adult smokers who have difficulty quitting smoking.

"Many studies show that e-cigarettes are products that have a lower risk than cigarettes and have been a solution for many of their users," said Aryo.

According to Aryo, the minimal risk profile of alternative tobacco products should be a reference for the government in regulating specific regulations that are not equated with conventional cigarettes, like the Philippines. That country also regulates the age limit for those aged 18 and above to be users of alternative tobacco products, and even includes the statement 'reduces risk' on product packaging.

"User age limits, access to promotion, and information on packaging that is consistent with the risk profile are certainly very much needed by this industry," he emphasized.

For APVI, the Ministry of Health's plan to include e-cigarettes in the revision of Government Regulation (PP) Number 109/2012, is a step backward and has the potential to spread misinformation.

"Alternative tobacco products require different regulations from cigarettes. The worst impact is public deception where we are forced to list 7,000 harmful substances that are not in alternative tobacco products," he concluded.

Source: Medcom.id