The UK Department of Health and Social Care has launched a UK-wide consultation on proposed changes to vape packaging and product presentation aimed at reducing how appealing e-cigarettes are to children. The plans, published on 10 July, propose introducing “plain packaging” for vapes. They also include restrictions on the way flavours are described, with flavour-related descriptions limited to reduce marketing impact on young people.
According to the proposals, vape devices would be limited to a restricted colour palette, reported as white, black or grey. The consultation also considers placing vaping products out of sight in shops, alongside measures intended to prevent their promotion near areas where children may encounter them.
Ministers are consulting on whether e-cigarette laws should be brought more closely into line with existing tobacco regulations. The consultation is being framed against evidence on youth vaping, including reporting that around 20% of teenagers have tried vaping.
