"We use the time to convince politicians that they are wrong"
E-cigarettes in Damark.
The Danish government's plan to ban flavored e-juice violates the EU Tobacco Products Directive. This is clear after the European Commission issued a statement on the new laws that the Danish government wants to introduce.
"If that's true, the government really needs to come up with good arguments to implement the taste ban. And at the moment they have no real arguments" says Jeanett Bergfriedt Andersen, active in the consumer association for vejpare in Denmark, DADAFO
As Vejpkollen previously reported the Danish government wants to ban all flavors except tobacco and menthol in e-cigarettes and e-liquid. But for the ban to be implemented, it must first fit within The EU Tobacco Products Directive. And as the Directive is currently drafted, it is primarily tobacco products in the form of cigarettes that should be restricted in terms of flavorings. Other similar products, such as pipe and roll-your-own tobacco and tobacco-free e-cigarettes, have been exempted in the Directive - on that very point.
"The derogation can only be lifted by the European Commission. And for that to happen, special circumstances must apply. Such as that something drastic has changed since the directive was established which means that flavors in e-cigarettes should be restricted in Denmark" writes the EU Commission Thierry Breton in a letter to the Danish government.
Ban on flavors in e-cigs delayed
The Commission now expects the Danish government to explain in detail why it wants to ban flavors in e-juice. The Commission also wants to know why tobacco and menthol flavors remain allowed, but not other flavors.
In practice, this means that the upcoming legislative change will take longer. And according to Jeanett Bergfriedt Andersen, that deadline could make a big difference. Especially for e-cigarette users who want to keep their flavors.
"We will use the time to convince politicians of what a big mistake they are making with a ban. The European Commission is challenging the government and wants clear arguments. But the government and the people behind the proposal don't really have any valid arguments today."
Weighing has decreased - without a ban
Today, figures show that smoking has fallen sharply in Denmark in recent years. This also applies to e-cigarettes. According to Jeanett Bergfriedt Andersen, it is clear that stricter regulations are not necessary.
"Those of us working against this at least have our feet on the ground in terms of facts. Hopefully politicians will also at least read their own reports on smoking and vejpning"
"Must fight for our rights"
Since the taste ban became known at the end of last year, the consumer organization DADAFO organized information campaigns and demonstrations to draw attention to the issue. But ultimately, it's about Danish vejpers raising their voices, says Jeanett Bergfriedt Andersen.
"My hope is that the European Commission's action will actually lead to more vejpers reacting and starting to fight for their rights," she tells Vejpkollen.
The Danish government has until October 19 to respond to the European Commission's questions on the upcoming taste ban.
