Understanding the Tobacco Control Bill

Proposed Legislation: Tobacco Products & Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill

The new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill will make it easier for South Africans to choose smoke-free lives, regulate the danger of e-cigarettes and decrease the impact of second-hand smoke on the majority of the population, who are non-smokers.

When passed, the new Bill will:

• Regulate the sale and advertising of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems;
• regulate the packaging and appearance of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems;
• make provision for the standardisation of the packaging of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems;  
• provide for standards in respect of the manufacturing and export of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems;  
• prohibit the sale of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems to and by persons under the age of 18 years;  
• prohibit the free distribution of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems; and 
• prohibit the sale of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems by means of vending machines; and to provide for matters connected therewith.