The intention to tax vapes and e-cigarettes as announced by the finance minister during the tabling of Budget 2022, and the revelation by the health minister that the government would be tabling a Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill regulating all tobacco-related products including electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, are both seen with welcome relief and alarm.

Such legislation will certainly ensure consistency and harmonisation of the government’s policy positions and decisions about tobacco control and its management. It is also expected to clear up confusion or misunderstanding regarding tobacco devices that don’t fit into current legal definitions.