ETHRA Flags Up Dutch Flavour Fight
Consumer umbrella organisation ETHRA is asking if the proposed restrictions on e-liquid flavours signals the end of vaping in the Netherlands
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by Dave Cross
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ETHRA says it “promotes discussion and the exchange of information and potential actions to reduce exposure to tobacco-related harm. ETHRA complements existing organisations by offering European advocates a platform for exchanging information (particularly at European policy level) and for sharing experiences and local initiatives, in support of tobacco harm reduction.”
ETHRA says: “Unlike previous flavour ban proposals that we've seen, this one seems to go a step further. The National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) and Ministry of Health have set out a list of 16 'approved' substances which can be used to make tobacco flavoured e-liquids.
“In real world terms this is essentially a stealth ban on all e-liquids. All current e-liquids on the market, including tobacco flavours, would be prohibited and new flavours would have to be developed using only the 16 approved substances. This wouldn't be viable for any e-liquid manufacturer and would signal the end of the legal vaping market in the Netherlands, and also set a very dangerous precedent for the rest of the EU.”
ETHRA believes the Dutch government is using “the all too familiar ‘think of the kids’ narrative” to push its agenda.
The government is claiming: “There is also growing evidence that the e-cigarette is a gateway product to tobacco”, and laughably says vape products have been designed to be particularly attractive to young people. “The government believes that more children should grow up in a smoke- and tobacco-free environment.”
Banning vapes to reduce smoking?
“It’s a mystery how this will be achieved by restricting and prohibiting the flavours adults use to quit smoking and remain smoke free,” adds ETHRA. “If anything, such severe restrictions will lead to an increase in smoking, as has been seen in other jurisdictions that have imposed a flavour ban. Not to mention the inevitable black market that is sure to emerge.
“As more and more EU Member States attempt to enact flavour bans it is vital that we as consumers make our voices heard in opposing such damaging legislation. ETHRA will be making a submission to the consultation, and we would urge you to consider adding your own. Do spread the word on social media using the hashtag #smaaknoodzaak.”
This proposal has already been sent to the EU for discussion to include the same approach within the next Tobacco Products Directive (TPD3) meaning European vapers need to act urgently.
References:
- European Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates - https://ethra.co/
- The consultation page: https://www.internetconsultatie.nl/smaakjesverbod
- ETHRA’s guide to completing a submission – https://ethra.co/news/115-the-end-of-vaping-in-the-netherlands
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous vape companies to develop content for their websites.
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