South Africa

"We read with interest the proposed draft bill and we are appreciative of the key contributions this Bill will make in relation to the contrast of tobacco smoking. However, we are concerned that the current draft will restrict less risky options for people who would benefit from using these products to quit smoking. Bringing regulatory parity between cigarettes and non-combustible alternatives (like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, oral nicotine/tobacco pouches) will further discourage smokers from trying alternatives – something that should be actively encouraged given that South Africa has high smoking prevalence and low successful quitting rate"