Vaping is the most effective way to quit smoking – that is a fact that every vaper knows. There are many reasons for that – from it being 95% less harmful than smoking, less addictive, and importantly MORE AFFORDABLE than smoking. This is why people quit smoking and start vaping and as a result, see an improvement in their health and their finances!

So, what would happen if ill-advised policymakers take away that monetary incentive? A likely public health disaster- with people continuing to smoke.

At the moment, the European Union is reviewing the Tobacco Taxation Directive, which sets the rules for how cigarettes and vaping products are taxed. Many politicians and anti-vaping voices are calling for e-cigarettes to be taxed at the same rate as regular cigarettes. This would spell disaster for vapers and for public health, making vaping more expensive and reducing its appeal to smokers who wish to quit.

That is why it is absolutely crucial that we respond to the open public consultation, which asks a number of questions about “new products” – namely vapes. EU politicians believe that not enough is being done to “cope with market developments and the entry into market of new products”. They have ignored consumers in the past, and unless consumers raise their voice loud and respond to this consultation, they will be able to get away with it.

So, let’s take this massive opportunity and explain to them that vaping saves lives, is less harmful than smoking, and is the best solution for quitting smoking.

The WVA will submit its own response in the coming weeks, watch this space for it.

Need more resources? Take a look at our vaping facts!