In Canada, electronic cigarettes are about to be regulated

Health Canada, the Canadian health ministry, has indicated that it wants to ban most flavors of e-cigarette liquids, in order to reduce their appeal to younger generations.[1]Furthermore, the nicotine content of electronic cigarettes will be reduced from July 6.

The Canadian federal government is seeking to further regulate e-cigarettes. Health Canada published a bill on June 18th that would ban all flavors in e-cigarette liquids, with the exception of tobacco, mint, and menthol flavors. As a result, most flavoring ingredients, sugars, and sweeteners could soon be banned from sale in these products. According to Patty Hajdu, Canada's Minister of Health, these regulations aim to protect a generation of Canadians from a new form of nicotine addiction, which "impairs brain development, memory, and concentration."[2].

Reduction of nicotine levels in liquids expected soon in Canada

In addition, the Canadian government has also decided to reduce the permitted nicotine concentration levels in e-cigarette liquids by nearly 70%. Starting July 6, manufacturers will no longer be able to produce liquids containing more than 20 milligrams of nicotine per milliliter, down from 66 milligrams previously. Retailers will have until July 23 to clear their stocks of old products. On average, a pack of 20 cigarettes delivers approximately 20 milligrams of nicotine. While the reduction in nicotine levels may seem significant, the Canadian regulations are in line with those of the European Union, which initially imposed a cap of 20 milligrams per milliliter.

Manufacturers' opposition to regulation

The tobacco and nicotine industry has expressed its opposition to these regulations and proposed regulations. Thus, the Coalition des droits des vapoteurs du Québec (CDVQ) stated in a press release that it "unreservedly condemns this project, which will ultimately harm tobacco control and public health efforts." Similarly, Éric Gagnon, Vice President of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at Imperial Tobacco Canada, highlighted the risk of increased smoking among younger generations, caused by overly stringent e-cigarette legislation. Manufacturers, particularly in Canada faced with declining smoking prevalence, see e-cigarettes as a way out of the constant decline in their sales volumes. Thus, behind the alarmist public health rhetoric lies the commercial concern of an industry weakened in its ability to perpetuate nicotine addiction in Canada.

FT

[1] The Press, Vaping flavors could be banned by Health Canada, 06/18/2021, (accessed 06/21/2021)

[2] Cision, Health Canada announces new restrictions to prevent youth vaping, 06/18/2021, (accessed 06/21/2021)