The European Commission has opposed a ban on vaping flavors put forward by the Danish government, according to the U.K. Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA).
“It is a victory both for vaping and common sense,” said UKVIA Director John Dunne said in a statement.
Denmark wants to introduce a flavor ban on both nicotine and non-nicotine containing e-liquids, where only tobacco and menthol flavors will be permitted. According to the Danish Vapers Association (DADAFO), the proposed ban would have affected between 85 percent and 90 percent of adult vapers in Denmark with the potential of driving up to 70,000 Danish ex-smokers back to cigarettes. The move would have also forced 90 percent of vape shops to close, DADAFO said.
“Flavors play a hugely important role in encouraging smokers to switch to vaping, a much less harmful product,” said Dunne. “Crucially, vape flavors provide choices for ex-smokers to ensure they do not relapse.”
“The effect of banning flavored liquids on deterring adult vapers from using vape products to help them quit or reduce their smoking was acknowledged by Public Health England earlier this year in its annual vaping evidence review. The review also stated that a ban could also push current adult vapers towards illicit products.”
According to the European Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates, the Danish Ministry of Health sent a notification of this to the European Commission on April 17 with a standstill period of three months during which the Commission had to comment whether it believes that the Danish government can legally amend the existing laws as proposed.