Young people like vejpar were in the spotlight when SVT Västerbotten highlighted the vejp trend in a series of features. Candy flavors and advertising on social media were thought to be the explanation. But entrepreneur Niklas Linder instead highlighted the problem of a growing black market.
"The flavors have been available for over 10 years and the use among young people has been very low. The increase is due to the illegal trade that provides young people with disposable models," says Niklas Linder.
As Vejpkollen previously reported, the use of e-cigarettes has increased sharply among young people in recent years. This is due to an increased interest in disposable models, disposable vapes, which are not only available in vejpshops and convenience stores but also on the black market, via social media.
"There are on various instagram accounts selling to anyone. And there are pictures of different varieties. You can write a message and say 'Hi, I want this' and it will be sent to you, like that" says Ebba Wikström, a student at Midgårdsskolan in Umeå to SVT Västerbotten.
"Nils, 79 does not like cotton candy"
Concerns have now spread to authorities and school staff who see an increasing number of young people using e-cigarettes, both in and out of school. SVT Västerbotten drew attention to the matter in a series of weekly features. Jeanette Carlsson, health developer at Region Västerbotten describes the development as a "huge problem"
"Nicotine companies are looking for new target groups. Judging by the range, they are clearly targeting children and young people. Nils, 79 may not like raspberries or cotton candy in his tobacco (sic)? speculates Jeanette Carlsson in SVT.
"Flavors not the main reason"
Niklas Linderruns the company Swedish Mixology and is a board member of The industry organization for electronic cigarettes. He says that flavoring can of course entice young people to try an e-cigarette. But that's not the likely explanation for the increase in youth use, he says.
"We've had these flavors on the market in Sweden for over 10 years, without a particularly high uptake among young people. Now it has suddenly increased like an avalanche in a short time and it will probably increase even more before it is over. Most of the evidence is actually against the whole idea that flavors are the big cause," says Niklas Linder to Vejpkollen.
Use among young people is increasing rapidly
According to CAN, an organization that aims to counter the use of tobacco in Sweden, the spontaneous use of e-cigarettes has increased from 5% to 20% among schoolchildren in Sweden between 2021 and 2022. Niklas Linder argues that this development goes hand in hand with the establishment of disposable models on the market.
Disposable vapes have become popular with all their ease of use and accessibility among both younger and older vejp users. But this has also opened the door to a new market, beyond the legal trade. Models that are not approved for sale in the EU dominate this market. These are disposable vapes that have a larger capacity, last longer and sometimes have a higher nicotine strength than allowed, according to Niklas Linder.
"The regulatory framework for e-cigarettes is extensive, with registration fees, long waiting times for approval and, not least, high taxes. Serious companies follow the rules to the best of their ability, but fall behind when the market fluctuates. We can never compete with those who don't care about laws and regulations - and that's where the problems start." Niklas Linder to Vejpkollen.
Regulatory framework creates black market
He believes that the regulations themselves are designed to protect young people, but also that tough rules without any direct impact assessment at the bottom have created the conditions for increased youth use. "It has created a very lucrative black market.
"Disposable models are easy to import privately and easy to sell to anyone. Without taxes and fees, there is a very good margin on these products. We see and hear all the time about young people getting their stuff through social media, but it also happens over the counter in various kiosks. The owner may have bought a 100-pack from China, or brought it in via some shady door-to-door salesman. Then they sell to anyone. Of course, they don't give a damn about any regulations, if they even know about them." says Niklas Linder.
Warns of tougher legislation
Niklas Linder, who also appeared in one of the episodes of SVT Västerbotten, believes that the youthvejping as well as the targeted media reporting on the problems risk leading to even tougher legislation on e-cigarettes. Something that he believes will make matters worse.
"We have to face the consequences. It becomes a vicious circle, where young people can already buy these products very easily and cheaply on a black market, without age control, with prices and supply that we cannot compete with. The legitimate traders are penalized and lose more of the market to the illegal trade. As a result, the black market is growing even more. And, as we see, it is already targeting young people" he says to SVT Västerbotten.
Need to get better at control
Instead, Niklas Linder calls for more commitment from authorities and responsible politicians, before it is too late.
"We already have strict age limits and strict marketing bans. This is about exercising better control over foreign imports and private imports. The authorities need to work better on this and not penalize those of us who are serious traders and actually follow the rules" says Niklas Linder to SVT Västerbotten.
