Union Position Paper on E-cigarettes and HTP sales in LMICs

Technical Consultants of The Union

This is our fourth position statement on e-cigarettes (earlier documents in 2013, 2015, and 2018 addressed e-cigarettes and HTPs separately). In 2020, The Union feels it imperative to point out that while the current discourse – in the media, in academic papers, and amongst the public health community – has focused on the public health impact of these products in high income countries, this is not sufficient. The narrative must be extended to low- and middle- income countries where e-cigarettes and HTPs are being aggressively introduced and marketed, often with little or no regulatory framework in place. In these countries, youth are particularly vulnerable. It is for these reasons that The Union recommends protective and preventive sales bans.