To protect consumers. PMI Mexico advocates the establishment of strict laws and regulations that focus on combating illegal goods while maintaining the market potential of legitimate goods.
Mexico’s vape reform may lead to market changes
According to Expansion December 17. Philip Mo International Mexico (PMI) reported that Manuel Chinchilla CEO of Mexico’s vape reform bill, supports the regulation of the management of alternatives to tobacco tar consumption and supports the right of consumers to make informed choices based on scientific evidence. Before the upgrade of the ban on the sale of vapes to the Constitution. PMI had applied for and received a license to import heated cigarette products and their components.
Femo International calls for a stronger fight against the black market
Currently, the company’s products may be subject to secondary regulations. PMI argues that a “strict law and regulation” should be established to protect consumers. PMI wants to focus on cracking down on illegal products while maintaining market potential.
IQOS attracted 100,000 users to the Mexican market in 2019 and is sold at 20 directly operated points of sale and department stores, including Sanborns. The new reforms did not make it clear whether they would include heating tobacco equipment, which could give the PMI room to maneuver. However, secondary regulations may expand prohibitions or impose special taxes on the system.
Since its launch in 2016, PMI has invested $12.5 billion in developing new tobacco products, which it says offer adult smokers a less risky option while bans only boost the illicit industry.
Since a presidential decree banning vapes in February 2020, the Mexican black market has expanded significantly. According to the regulations of the Federal Committee for Health Risk Prevention (Cofepris), it is estimated that by 2022, about 5 million people have used vapes, of which 975,000 people use them regularly. Control expert Hiram Vera warned that a ban would exacerbate the problem. For inertial smoke tar customers, if there are no legal options, they may turn to the black market to purchase goods of unknown origin and quality.
Philip Morris International Mexico CEO stresses the importance of effective regulation. Although the law is limited, it is still easy to find illegal goods in the market. The real public health threat lies in these illicit goods, and control should be focused here.
