In Scotland, the government needs to launch a consultation on an e-cigarette advertising and marketing regulation project that would be more important than the one currently applied in the UK.
SCOTLAND WISHES TO REGULATE E-CIGARETTE IN HIS WAY
As the Scottish National Party exercises its right to regulate differently from the Westminster government, the latter is considering passing legislation to increase restrictions on e-cigarette advertising and marketing. These restrictions would be in addition to those prescribed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with the Tobacco Products Directive.
The Edinburgh government has invited industry bodies to meet on May 3, 2017 to discuss the proposals. He wants additional information and views from stakeholders on areas such as
- Advertising, including on billboards, bus stops, vehicles, posters, leaflets and banners.
- Free Distribution and the nominal price.
- Sponsorship of activities, events or people.
- Brand sharing.
The TPD (European Directive on tobacco products) prohibits any form of advertising likely to cross borders into another Member State of the European Union. This mainly includes international sponsorship as well as advertising on radio, television or online and in the international press. however, there is an exception for communication between professionals.
The United Kingdom has chosen to take a fairly light approach in terms of regulation, a number of forms of advertising are still permitted for e-cigarettes. This choice contrasts sharply with that of many other major e-cigarette markets in Europe. While details are still fairly vague at the moment, Scotland could go further than the Westminster government with additional e-cigarette regulations.
For the moment the Scottish government is only in a consultation on the e-cigarette, so there is no certainty that a future regulation will be put in place in the country in addition to the European directive on tobacco. However, UK businesses need to be aware that new regulations may well arrive in Scotland and they need to be prepared to adapt if they do.
Source : Ecigintelligence
