Recently, the Association of Argentine e-cigarette Vapers (Asovape Argentina) and the World e-cigarette Alliance have called on Argentina’s newly elected President, Javier Milei, to overturn the regulations outlined in the Drug, Food, and Medical Technology Management Law 3226/2011 that currently prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes. The ban, which has been in effect since May 6, 2011, also restricts the importation, distribution, promotion, and advertising of e-cigarettes in the country.
A public letter highlighting various studies conducted after the implementation of similar bans on e-cigarettes emphasizes the risks associated with youth e-cigarette usage, their potential in aiding smoking cessation, and the comparatively low health risks linked to nicotine. Juan Facundo Teme, the president of the Argentine E-cigarette Association, argues that this prohibition violates the personal freedom and rights of adult individuals in Argentina. He asserts that the ban should be repealed immediately to safeguard the rights and freedoms of adults in the country.
Taimur, a representative of the World e-cigarette Alliance, released a statement expressing that the government should not dictate how Argentinians consume nicotine and should respect individual choices to use e-cigarettes as a means to reduce nicotine dependence. Additionally, Taimur mentions that all arguments in favor of the ban have been debunked.
With a smoking rate of 24.5%, Argentina is one of the highest-ranking countries for smoking prevalence in Latin America and worldwide. Taimur emphasizes that smoking is a major issue in Argentina, and the ban on e-cigarettes has only worsened the problem. The misconception that e-cigarettes are equally or even more harmful than traditional cigarettes deters millions of smokers from switching to safer alternatives, leading them back to tobacco. Taimur believes that by providing accurate information about e-cigarettes and implementing appropriate regulations, the smoking rate can be significantly reduced.
Alberto Gomez Hernandez, the policy manager of the World e-cigarette Alliance, notes Argentina’s stringent e-cigarette restrictions, which have contributed to the country’s high smoking rate. According to Michael Landl, the director of the World Vape Alliance, Argentina’s perspective on e-cigarettes is outdated and hinders personal freedoms. Landl suggests that Argentina should follow the examples set by countries like Sweden and the UK, which prioritize users’ choices while also improving public health. He highlights that Sweden is on track to becoming the first smoke-free country due to this approach, and smoking rates in the UK are rapidly declining. Landl encourages President Milei and his government to legalize e-cigarettes, emphasizing that using these devices is not a crime.
In conclusion, Argentina is facing calls from the World e-cigarette Alliance and local vaping associations to repeal the ban on e-cigarettes in order to combat the country’s high smoking rates effectively. These organizations argue that by respecting individual choices and implementing appropriate regulations, Argentina can follow the examples of countries such as Sweden and the UK, achieving a significant reduction in smoking prevalence while still safeguarding personal freedoms.
