AACS: E-CIGARETTE REVIEW MUST CONSIDER BLACK MARKET IMPACTS

August 8, 2018: The CSIRO literature review into the use and health impacts of e-cigarettes, released today, is a mix of interesting revelations and unsurprising conclusions, according to the Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS). 
However, the review missed an opportunity to consider the black market implications of failing to implement a proper framework to govern the legal sale of e-cigarettes in Australia.
The review found that when e-cigarettes are used by smokers instead of conventional cigarettes, there is evidence for improvement in individual health. It also called for further research in specific areas to fill the gaps in understanding of the impact of the use of these products.
The issue is, AACS CEO Jeff Rogut says, that e-cigarettes are already widely used in Australia.
“E-cigarettes as a product category are growing rapidly in Australia, mirroring the growth trends in other countries where they have already been legalised,” Mr Rogut says.
“This highlights the need to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes in Australia as a matter of urgency, to rein in e-cigarette products and liquids from the black market and apply quality control standards, age-restrictions and ingredient information for the increasing number of consumers wishing to use these products as a means to quit smoking.
“The CSIRO review acknowledges that when e-cigarettes are used by smokers instead of conventional cigarettes there is evidence of health improvements, backing up the view of international authorities like Public Health England.”
A Public Health England study from 2015 shows e-cigarettes are around 95% safer than conventional cigarettes.
“It seems at odds for legal tobacco to be available, albeit at great cost to consumers, while an alternative deemed universally to be less harmful remains unavailable for legal sale,” Mr Rogut says.
“This is obviously music to the ears of criminal gangs who have proven so adept at filling gaps in the legal market with products of unknown ingredients and no quality control standards. The diabolical predicament Australia finds itself in when it comes to illicit tobacco is clear evidence for the need to regulate for the responsible legal sale of e-cigarettes now,” he says.
The AACS State of the Industry Report 2017 highlights the potential for convenience stores to be a destination for e-cigarettes and other quit-smoking products, given the $105 million growth in tobacco sales the channel experienced over the course of last year.
The AACS has identified several key considerations in the legalisation of e-cigarettes, including restrictions in sales to minors, ensuring they are child tamper proof, contain an ingredients list, comply with quality standards and are manufactured and sold with strict safety standards in place.
Further information: Media enquiries:
Jeff Rogut
Chief Executive Officer
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores
Ph: +61 467 873 789
Stephen Naylor
Wise McBaron Communication
Ph: +61 (2) 9279 4770