The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has officially published its highly anticipated vaping products standard, marking a significant step forward for the country’s vaping industry. This new standard, now available for purchase from SABS, introduces clear guidelines to ensure consistency, safety, and quality across all vaping products in the South African market.

Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of the Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA), emphasized the importance of this development. “This is a crucial milestone for the vaping industry in South Africa. Our top priority is consumer safety, and these standards reflect that commitment. By implementing a nicotine ceiling of 35%, we align our market with international regulations to safeguard consumers from excessive nicotine exposure,” Gcoyi said.

The newly introduced guidelines cover a range of essential areas, including:

• Manufacturing Practices: Ensuring safe production processes.
• Packaging & Labelling: Providing clear, accurate information to consumers.
• Testing Protocols: Standardized testing of products to ensure compliance.
• E-liquid Composition: Regulating the ingredients and capping nicotine levels at 35%.

This nicotine limit complies with ISO 20714, a globally recognized standard that’s already in place in countries such as Sweden, Canada, and the UK. In addition to nicotine control, the standard sets the stage for consistent quality and transparency in the vaping products available in South Africa.

Although adherence to the new standard is voluntary, it is strongly encouraged for all manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers. The Consumer Protection Act mandates that all products adhere to established safety standards, making alignment with these guidelines a critical step for businesses.

Gcoyi elaborated, “Even though these standards are voluntary, they were developed with the core principles of the Consumer Protection Act in mind. This means that stakeholders in the industry are legally bound to ensure their products meet these safety standards. Consumers can now make more informed choices, knowing that products following SABS guidelines prioritize their health and safety.”

Manufacturers and retailers must now familiarize themselves with the requirements and begin aligning their products to comply with the SABS guidelines.