China revealed on November 26 that it would officially regulate vaping products under its tobacco monopoly law.
The decision has massive implications for tobacco harm reduction worldwide: China is both the largest tobacco market and the largest e-cigarette producer on Earth.
The country previously imposed restrictions on vapes, and some observers feared a crackdown on the industry. Now, vaping has a legal status in China that should secure its future.
In China, the government and the tobacco industry are, essentially, a single entity. The State Tobacco Monopoly Administration and China National Tobacco—operated by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and typically referred to as “China Tobacco” both regulates and manufactures tobacco products. With the exception of a handful of “premium” international brands, China Tobacco has a virtual monopoly over the entire tobacco market.
Alex Norcia – Filter – 2021-12-02.
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