Five major associations of Malaysia’s vape industry have called on the government to review the new laws and regulations that will come into effect soon, arguing that the upcoming limits on the capacity of the liquid will lead to a large number of products being taken off the shelves. The team called on the government to suspend the new laws and regulations to ensure companies have enough time to adapt to the changes.
Malaysia’s vape industry opposes the new regulations
Local vape industry practitioners in Malaysia have called on the government to suspend and review a series of new laws and regulations under the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024. They say the laws and regulations could cause problems for the industry.
The legislation was published on February 2 this year and is scheduled to take effect next month (October).
Malaysian Retail vape Association (MRECA) Azwan Chairman, Datuk Adzwan Manas, said the Health Ministry had passed new laws and regulations at the last minute, which were only implemented after a briefing, leaving industry practitioners with insufficient time to prepare for the transition.
E-liquid capacity restrictions may lead to mass product drop-offs
Azwan mentioned that the new laws and regulations include a ban on the display of vape brands at shop counters. The smoke content of disposable smoke bombs, replaceable smoke warehouses, and disposable products shall not exceed 3ml, and the content of canned smoke shall not exceed 15ml. However, the current capacity of e-liquids on the market is generally between 30ml and 60ml. He believes that it should be gradually reduced, rather than reduced to 15ml all at once.
- “The Ministry of Health has not given enough time to all suppliers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to complete their products. What about people who are still making products that may take a month or two to complete or manufacturers who have already purchased raw materials?”
In addition, Azwan noted that the Health Ministry has also asked for the phasing out of current stocks within six months, but it will take at least a year for the industry to complete the process. Because they pay a lot for Sirim certification and other regulatory policies. The registration fee for each vape brand is 5,000 ringgit (about $1,200).
Speaking at a press conference after presenting the notepad to a representative from the Prime Minister’s office. Azwan said a recent survey showed that most vape merchants were willing to pay a registration fee of $500 to $900 ($120 to $215) per item.
Registration fees for vape products
The notepad was signed by five associations, known as MRECA. The Malaysian vape and Tobacco Alternatives Association (MEVTA). The Malaysian vape Industry Advocacy Group, the Malaysian vape Traders Association, and the Malaysian vape Chamber of Commerce represent more than 2,000 vape traders.
Azwan said that as the vape industry is also an important revenue source for the country, the teams are still pushing for consultation with the Finance Ministry led by the Prime Minister, and the vape industry is also in favor of displaying goods behind the counter instead of the total display ban suggested by the government, which would affect their business.
- “We have always supported regulation of the vape industry, but we want it to be done step by step.” Don’t push us over the edge with last-minute strict laws and regulations.”
