The Welsh Government is considering sweeping changes to vaping product regulations, including mandatory plain white packaging and a ban on colourful branding, imagery, and flavour names like 'Cosmic Fog' or 'Cotton Candy'. The proposals aim to reduce the appeal of vaping products to children and young people.
Youth Vaping Statistics in Wales
Data shared by the Welsh Government reveals that more than a quarter of 11-to-16-year-olds in Wales have tried a vape, and nearly 7% vape weekly. Among 16-year-olds specifically, over 45% have tried a vape, with 16% using them weekly.
Key Proposed Changes
The consultation, running until October 2, proposes that all vaping and nicotine product packaging be plain white, effectively banning colourful branding and imagery. Flavour names would be limited to single recognised terms like 'apple', prohibiting names such as 'Cosmic Fog' or 'Cotton Candy'.
Additionally, the consultation suggests restricting the display of vaping products in shops, requiring them to be kept behind the sales counter, similar to tobacco products. Price lists would still be allowed and could include information on nicotine strength and ingredients to help adult consumers make informed choices.
Government and Health Officials' Statements
Deputy Minister for Public and Preventative Health Nerys Evans stated: “The rise of the number of children and young people trying and regularly using vapes in Wales is a real concern and one which we are determined to tackle. They are being deliberately designed and marketed to appeal to children with bright colours, cartoon branding and sweet-sounding flavour names that have no place in products containing addictive nicotine. It is simply unacceptable.”
She added: “These proposals would strip away the gimmicks that make vaping attractive to young people. I urge everyone – the public, parents, health professionals, teachers, businesses – to have their say before October 2. Together we can take a big step in protecting our children’s health.”
Chief Medical Officer for Wales Isabel Oliver said: “The leading health risk to children and young people from vaping and nicotine products is addiction. These proposals have the power to prevent future generations of young people from becoming addicted to vaping and nicotine products, which can have significant impacts on their health and wellbeing.”
UK-Wide Consultation
All four UK nations are consulting together on new rules for vaping products. The proposals aim to reduce youth vaping while continuing to enable adults who wish to use vaping products to quit smoking.
