[Explanation] On May 1, the "Measures for the Administration of Electronic Cigarettes" came into effect, which stipulates that the sale of flavored electronic cigarettes other than tobacco flavors is prohibited, and the sale of electronic cigarette products to minors is prohibited.
The fruit or novel flavor of e-cigarettes has always been an important selling point. What impact will the new regulations have on the e-cigarette market?
On April 30, the reporter visited several electronic cigarette specialty stores in Beijing. A store operator told the reporter that there are currently only two flavors of pods left in the store. From May 1, only tobacco flavored electronic cigarettes will be sold.
[Concurrent] The owner of an electronic cigarette shop in Beijing
Before that, I have not given us the goods, so I will control (the quantity of purchases), and the purchase of the order from tomorrow means that the fruit (flavor) should not be given.
Reporter: (fruit flavor) No more?
Yes, it tastes like tobacco.
After tomorrow, we will purchase, for example, 200 boxes, and we will prepare what is for you, so we can't pick the flavor.
[Explanation] During the visit, the reporter found that most stores are selling electronic cigarettes at a discount.
There are many promotion methods such as buying pods and sending cigarette rods, buying three boxes of pods and getting one box.
A salesperson told reporters that the current sales of electronic cigarettes are relatively good, and some flavors of pods have been sold out.
[Same period] Sales staff of an electronic cigarette store in Beijing
Some flavors are not available, and some are only available on the countertop.
Reporter: There are too many people rushing (buying)?
right.
Now there are activities, any consumption, plus 120 yuan can be redeemed (cigarette rod).
Reporter: So there are activities now, right?
Yes, there are activities.
For 599 yuan, I will give you 6 boxes of pods, plus a second-generation pod.
[Explanation] The reporter logged on the official websites of many electronic cigarette brands and found that many brands have issued announcements that all non-tobacco flavored pods will be discontinued, and only existing stocks will be sold.
Zhang Jianshu, president of the Beijing Tobacco Control Association, said that the introduction of the "Administrative Measures for Electronic Cigarettes" is also out of the original intention of protecting minors, and the various flavors of electronic cigarettes are extremely tempting to minors.
[Concurrent] Zhang Jianshu, President of Beijing Tobacco Control Association
Because we know that there are a lot of electronic cigarettes, he uses this flavoring agent with various flavors, which are particularly attractive to minors.
Floral, fruity, sugary, and all kinds of delicious tastes that people think of in nature, this is not actually the addition of these ingredients, but the blending of chemical additives. Yes, this is deceptive.
[Explanation] Zhang Jianshu pointed out that electronic cigarettes are not only unhelpful for smoking cessation, but many people still use electronic cigarettes to slowly start smoking traditional cigarettes, and teenagers are the first victims.
[Concurrent] Zhang Jianshu, President of Beijing Tobacco Control Association
Electronic cigarette (is) derived from cigarettes. It is a new type of tobacco product, but it is essentially the same as (cigarette), and it is essentially smoke.
Therefore, it is harmful to bring into the human body.
After some minors have used e-cigarettes, our observation is twice as high as other children who have never used e-cigarettes, and they have entered the ranks of smokers.
[Explanation] In the face of the younger age of e-cigarette users, the reporter also randomly interviewed several passers-by. Everyone agreed with the introduction of the "E-cigarette Management Measures", and hoped that the introduction of the new regulations can effectively prevent non-smokers from being particularly It is teenagers who become smokers.
[Concurrent] Ms. Fan
The youth group is definitely our most important protection object, and will make more contributions to the future of our society.
So I think they may need a more positive guidance, so I hope that merchants will not promote or excessively guide them in this way.
[Concurrent] Mr. Cui
I think it is necessary. For minors, if the (electronic cigarette) taste has a tendency to become a snack.
If this new regulation makes it clear that these tastes are unreasonable and illegal, then it can prevent minors from being misled in this regard, and as parents, we should also resolutely stop it.
[Explanation] It is reported that the State Administration for Market Regulation and the State Tobacco Monopoly Administration have decided to set up a policy transition period, and the deadline for the transition period is September 30, 2022.
During the transition period, the existing electronic cigarette production and operation entities before November 10, 2021 can continue to carry out production and operation activities, and should apply for relevant licenses and product technical reviews as required, design products for compliance, and complete products. Retrofit.
Reported by Chi Hanyu in Beijing
Responsible editor: [Ji Xiang]