Brussels, 12.09.2022. A inkesta conducted by the World Vapers’ Alliance (WVA) among its members found that 97% of respondents prefer vaping flavours or a combination of flavours and tobacco taste. Additionally, higher taxation would push almost a third of vapers to the black market. The WVA urges politicians to listen to consumers and avoid regulations and bans, creating a public health disaster. 

Michael Landl, World Vapers' Allianceko zuzendariak, esan zuen: 

“The survey among our members confirms what science has repeatedly proved: flavours are essential for people to quit smoking. Bans and high taxation only boost the black market and push many vapers back to smoking. It is time that politicians start listening to those most affected by their policies: the consumers!” 

Inkestaren emaitza nagusiak: 

Zaporeak: 

• Inkestatuen % 97%k nahiago dituzte lurruntzeko zaporeak edo zaporeen eta tabakoaren zaporearen konbinazioa. % 3%k bakarrik diote tabakoa nahiago dutela. 
• Zaporeak debekatuko balira: lurrungailuen erdiek baino gehiagok merkatu beltzean lortuko lituzkete zaporeak edo erretzera itzuliko lirateke. 21%-k diote tabako zaporea soilik lurrunduko luketela, eta 16%-k uste dute lurruntzeari utziko lioketela. 

Zerga igoerak: 

• Zerga igoerak lurrungailuen kontsumo-jokabidea zatituko luke: 
  • 31%-k oraintxe bezala lurruntzen jarraituko luke eta prezio altuagoa ordainduko luke;
  • 30%-k dio gutxiago lurrunduko luketela prezioaren igoera konpentsatzeko;
  • 28%-k bere produktuak merkatu beltzean lortzen saiatuko litzateke.

Komunikabideak: 

• Zigarro elektronikoen erabiltzaileek uste dute komunikabideak aldebakarrekoak direla eta ez direla nahikoa objektiboak lurruntzeari buruzko informazioa ematean. 75%-k beren herrialdeetako komunikabideen estaldura desegokia dela baloratu dute.  

Uneko araudia: 

• Vapers evaluate the current regulatory framework similarly. 60% of respondents are dissatisfied with the current way vaping is treated by their governments.

The survey was conducted among members of the WVA. The total number of respondents was 415 in 36 countries. 

“These results show that those who can afford higher prices would pay the additional price and don’t change their behaviour. The worrying aspect is that for many vaping would become a luxury good, and almost a third would be pushed to the black market. Politicians must finally consider those unintended consequences when proposing new legislation”, gehitu zuen Landlek.  

With the Tobacco Products Directive on the horizon, the WVA calls on the EU institutions to follow a risk-based approach to vaping. Future regulation must be based on science and the experience of millions of consumers. Less harmful products should be treated differently than cigarettes.