Frequently Asked Questions

The Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA) is the self-regulating industry body of vapour product manufacturers and importers. VPASA was established in the interests of protecting the interests and wellbeing of vapour product consumers in South Africa, and as a united voice to work with Government in developing regulations for the sector. Furthermore, VPASA is committed to working with research institutions and the medical fraternity to add to the cast and growing body of research concerning vapour products.

VPASA strives to serve as a united, official voice to represent the industry to government, regulators, consumers, and the general public, and recognises the need for the appropriate regulation of the industry. We hope to achieve an open and productive relationship with Government and regulators in order to facilitate appropriate industry regulation as well as consistent compliance to these clearly defined regulations. We also aim to work with Government to ensure that as our industry grows and matures, it reflects the diversity and culture of South Africa.

VPASA represents manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers of smoke-free vapour products in South Africa through membership of the association. VPASA does not sell or advertise vapour products on behalf of any vapour product vendors. All of VPASA’s members adhere to a code of conduct that spans over all activities required to advertise, market, package, sell, distribute, transport, and dispose of vapor products, including product advertising, consumer communications, promotional events, packaging, labels, sales collateral in an effort to promote their respective brands responsibly.

Any vapour products vendor ranging from manufacturer to retailer of any size can become a member. Under our ‘Become a Member’ tab, prospective members can read our code of conduct and continue to apply for a membership package they find suitable for them.

According to the World Health Organisation, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death worldwide and is responsible for killing six million people annually, especially among the world’s low- and middle-income population. VPASA considers vapour products to be the most effective alternative for smokers. We believe these products offer smokers a similar experience, devoid of dangerous smoke. The body of supporting research and knowledge in respect of the lifestyle advantages and disadvantages of vapour products in South Africa is growing. VPASA seeks to contribute to this and work in partnership with Government, regulators as well as other key stakeholders to ensure the industry is well-regulated, and that consumers have access to all available scientific and health information. With sensible regulation, vapour products have the potential to make a major contribution towards social inequalities in health.

While surveys show that young people experiment with EVP’s, there is no evidence to support concern about EVP’s increasing youth smoking rates. Furthermore, in 2019, UK’s National Institute of Health Research clinical trial found that a standard EVP was twice as effective at helping smokers to quit compared with the quitter’s choice of combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).

Being addicted to smoking is harmful. Cigarettes are lethal because they burn tobacco, not because of nicotine. Vapour products offer smokers an escape from decades of addiction to smoking. The e-liquid comes packed in different nicotine strengths categorised in milligrams: ultra-light (6mg), medium (12mg), regular (18mg), and strong (24mg). There is even 0 milligrams which contains no nicotine for those who just want to vape without the nicotine. This means consumers of vapour products have a wide range of choice when it comes to buying vapour products.

Frequently Asked Questions

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