The Tobacco Control Bill
Be Cool, Be Healthy, Be Tobacco Free!
It’s time to say “YES” to the Tobacco Control Bill
South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in safeguarding public health. The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is more than just a legislation, it’s a commitment to protect our children, families, and communities from the devastating impacts of tobacco and nicotine addiction.
Why do we need this bill?
• High Prevalence of Tobacco Use: Approximately 30% of South African adults use tobacco or electronic cigarettes—the highest rate in the region.
• Health Hazards: Tobacco use harms nearly every organ in the body, leading to preventable diseases like heart disease and cancer.
• Economic Burden: Tobacco-related illnesses cost the South African economy R42 billion annually.
• Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Non-smokers, including children, are involuntarily exposed to harmful secondhand smoke in various settings.
• Youth Targeting: E-cigarettes, currently unregulated, are aggressively marketed to youth, with the highest usage among those aged 15-24.
What will the Bill Achieve?
• 100% Smoke-Free Public Places: Prohibits smoking in all indoor public areas, workplaces, public transport, certain outdoor spaces, healthcare and childcare facilities, and vehicles carrying children under 18 or non-smokers.
• Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes: Introduces the first regulations for electronic delivery systems, addressing the emerging health risks and youth addiction associated with these products.
• Standardized Packaging: Mandates plain packaging for all tobacco and nicotine products, displaying only essential information, health warnings, and graphic images of health consequences.
• Ban on Advertising and Promotion: Eliminates all forms of advertising and promotion for tobacco and electronic delivery products, including TV, radio, billboards, free samples, electronic communication, and point-of-sale displays.
• Removal of Vending Machines: Prohibits the sale of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems through vending machines, reducing youth access and exposure.
What does this Bill do ?
100% SMOKE-FREE PUBLIC PLACES
Ensures that smoking in all indoor public places, workplaces, public transport, certain public spaces,
healthcare facilities, childcare facilities and in cars with children under the age of 18 or non-smokers is prohibited.
REGULATES ELECTRONIC CIGARETTE USE
Regulates electronic delivery systems for the first time. With evidence continuing to emerge on the
dangers of these products, it is essential to regulate their usage and stem the tide of youth addiction to nicotine.
PLAIN OR STANDARDIZED PACKAGING FOR TOBACCO & NICOTINE PRODUCTS
Requires all tobacco products and electronic delivery systems to have plain packaging with only necessary information including key messages about the health risks, social and economic damage caused by these products, the benefits of quitting and graphic images of health consequences.
REMOVAL OF POINTS OF SALE ADVERTISEMENT AND MARKETING
Prevents advertising or promoting of tobacco and electronic delivery products through TV or radio commercials, billboards, free samples, electronic communication, or competitions and ends the point-of-sale display of these products.
REMOVAL OF VENDING MACHINES
Prohibits the sale of tobacco products and electronic delivery systems through vending machines. Tobacco products are dangerous and should not be accessed by those who are minors. Vending machines further serve as display advertising, that all ages can access.
What can you do?
Add #YourVoice on the Pledge
Add your voice, show your support for the Tobacco Control Bill and sign the pledge today.
Add #YourVoice at Public Hearings
Add your voice to let Parliament know you support the Bill.
Questions/ Comments
Should you have any questions or comments regarding the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, feel free to message our team and we will be sure to respond.
