Alternative tobacco and nicotine products in South Africa

South Africa: The National Treasury, in its 2023 Budget Review, proposed a 4.9% increase in excise duty on heated tobacco sticks from ZAR14.87 ($0.81) to ZAR15.60 ($0.85) per pack of 20. The treasury said a tobacco review paper would be published later this year, following consultations on excise policies.

South Africa: The government has tabled the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery System Control Bill in Parliament. The latest version of the bill proposes a total ban on the use of heated tobacco in indoor public places and certain outdoor areas, and strengthens the rules on packaging and health warnings.

South Africa: The government has approved the submission to Parliament of the 2018 Tobacco Products and  Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which will introduce further controls. Among other things, the bill – the latest version of which has not yet been published – proposes “100% smoke-free indoor” and some outdoor non-smoking areas, and strengthens the rules on packaging and health warnings.

South Africa: The Department of Health has told TobaccoIntelligence that the draft Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, first put forward in 2018, has been approved by the Forum of South African Directors General for presentation to the cabinet. Ministers will now either agree and submit the bill to parliament or suggest changes. The next steps, including the timetable, will be guided by the cabinet.

South Africa: The Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled that the regulations banning the sale of tobacco products during the Covid-19 lockdown were invalid and unconstitutional. This comes after the minister of co-operative governance and traditional affairs imposed a series of regulations to contain Covid-19, including a ban on the sale of heated tobacco and e-cigarettes.