Anti-vaping group welcomes EU move flagging new nicotine devices as public health threat

Educationist Seema Anis said tighter enforcement of the existing ban is necessary and urged collaboration among educational institutions and families to raise awareness. She called for annual or biannual reviewing of policies like PECA 2019 due to new nicotine products such as nicotine pouches entering the market.

Mothers Against Vaping (MAV), a group based in New Delhi, welcomed the European Commission's recognition of emerging nicotine devices as public health concerns, saying rising use among youth fuels addiction rather than aiding smoking cessation. The group contended that these products, marketed as safer alternatives, attract younger users and expose adolescents to long-term health risks. It cited the EC's evaluation questioning the effectiveness of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products for quitting, and noted reports that e-cigarette use can raise the likelihood of starting to smoke among youth by about three times. The statement also referenced the World Health Organization's position on cessation and Eurobarometer 2023 findings that many do not believe these devices help quit traditional tobacco use. MAV urged stronger enforcement in India to counter unauthorised online sales, smuggling, surrogate advertising, and influencer promotion, and called for tighter surveillance of digital and retail ecosystems.

Eurobarometer 2023 found that a large majority of respondents do not think that e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products can help smokers quit traditional tobacco products.