JAKARTA - A number of alternative tobacco product industry associations affirm their commitment not to sell products to children under the age of 18.
“E-cigarettes and other alternative tobacco products, such as heated tobacco products or nicotine pouches, are only intended for adult users aged 18 years and over. For this reason, all associations are expected not to sell to children, non-smokers, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers," said General Chairperson of the Indonesian Vaporizer Association (APVI), Aryo Andrianto, in Jakarta, Monday, July 18.
This is one of the commitments contained in the integrity pact signed by a number of alternative tobacco product industries, including the Indonesian Vaper Association (AVI) and the Indonesian Electronic Nicotine Delivery Entrepreneurs Alliance (APPNINDO).
The signing of the integrity pact is a form of support for all associations in advancing the industry through responsible business practices, thereby creating a positive impact on the national economy in a sustainable manner.
“All associations are obligated to educate the public so that e-cigarettes are used properly, which is only intended for adult users. By consistently and continuously educating, we believe it will narrow the space for abuse," said Aryo, according to Antara.
Aryo said that the commitment is expected to be applied by all members by not selling products to minors.
Other commitments include preventing the sale of illegal alternative tobacco products and supporting the government to issue fact-based and stakeholder-involved regulations for alternative tobacco products.
The chairman of AVI, Johan Sumantri, appreciated the associations that had carried out socialization and campaigns against the sale of alternative tobacco products to children under the age of 18 which were carried out consistently.
His party, who represents consumers, also encourages its members to disseminate information about these provisions. Because, there are still many opinions that this product can be used by those who are not over 18 years old.
"We are ready to collaborate with business partners and other stakeholders in promoting a campaign to ban the use of this product by children under the age of 18," said Johan.
Previously, Deputy Minister of Health, Dante Saksono Harbuwono, said that there was no difference in the risk of smoking both conventional and electric, so there was a need for regulations that limit the use of the two types of cigarettes.
The results of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in 2021 showed that the prevalence of e-cigarettes rose from 0.3 percent (2011) to 3 percent (2021). Then, the prevalence of adolescent smokers aged 13-15 years also increased by 19.2 percent.
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