Brussels, 12.09.2022. O studiu 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, directorul Alianței Mondiale a Vaperilor, a declarat: 

“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!” 

Principalele constatări ale sondajului: 

Arome: 

• Un procent uimitor de 97% dintre respondenți preferă aromele de vapat sau o combinație de arome și gust de tutun. Doar 3% spun că preferă tutunul. 
• Dacă aromele ar fi interzise: mai mult de jumătate dintre utilizatorii de țigări electronice ar căuta să își procure aromele pe piața neagră sau ar relua fumatul. 21% spun că ar vapa exclusiv aromă de tutun, iar 16% cred că ar renunța la vapat. 

Creșteri de impozite: 

• Creșterile de taxe ar diviza comportamentul de consum al utilizatorilor de vape: 
  • 31% would keep vaping like they are currently and pay the higher price;
  • 30% say they would vape less to make up for the increased price;
  • 28% would try to get their products on the black market.

Media: 

• Utilizatorii de țigări electronice consideră că presa este unilaterală și insuficient de obiectivă atunci când relatează despre vaping. Un număr uimitor de 751 de respondenți din rândul celor care au intervievat țigări electronice din întreaga lume a evaluat acoperirea media din țările lor ca fiind nefavorabilă.  

Reglementare actuală: 

• 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”, a adăugat Landl.  

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.