Imperial Tobacco Canada calls for quick and
decisive enforcement of regulations to ensure only safe and legal
nicotine products are available for sale
MONTREAL, July 31,
2024 /CNW/ - In light of recent media reports on
the availability of illegal nicotine products at retail and online
outlets, Imperial Tobacco Canada (ITCAN) joins other groups in
demanding Health Canada and the Quebec government to fulfill their
responsibility to ensure consumer safety, regulatory compliance and
preventing youth access.
"This is a serious public health issue. These reports confirm
what we have been telling the Government of Quebec for months: there is a severe lack of
enforcement when it comes to illegal nicotine products, which is
allowing the illicit market to thrive," said Eric Gagnon, Vice President, Corporate and
Regulatory Affairs at ITCAN. "It is crucial for the Quebec government and Health Canada to step up
and enforce existing laws."
Since the ban on flavoured vaping products last fall in
Quebec, multiple media outlets
have noted that some retailers are skirting the law. ITCAN has
proactively engaged with the Quebec government on multiple occasions,
presenting evidence of these issues. Unfortunately, enforcement
actions have yet to be strengthened, allowing the illegal market to
persist. Now, media are reporting a worrying nicotine pouch illicit
market in the province.
"We want to assure the public and health professionals that
ITCAN adheres strictly to all regulations concerning the marketing
and sale of nicotine products. Unfortunately, however, this is not
the case with all manufacturers and distributors," said Mr. Gagnon.
"And they are all well aware that they can operate with impunity.
No one is coming after them."
ZONNIC is the only nicotine pouch in Canada authorized for sale as a natural health
product and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for adults aged 18
and over. It was approved by Health Canada following a two-year
rigorous review process in which ITCAN demonstrated the product's
safety and efficacy.
"Any nicotine pouch other than ZONNIC sold in any retail outlet
is illegal. Full stop," said Mr. Gagnon. "ITCAN has put in place
mandatory age verification and insisted that the product be only
available behind the counter even if our license doesn't require
it."
ITCAN fully supports regulations that restrict the sale of
nicotine products to adults over 18 and agrees that minors should
not use any nicotine products. The sale of unapproved nicotine
pouches, which have not been granted a product license by Health
Canada, is a federal offense with severe penalties - carrying a
maximum penalty of fines up to $5
million and imprisonment up to two years.
ITCAN is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with
regulators, health professionals, and the public, and welcomes
further discussions on stringent enforcement measures to safeguard
public health and prevent youth from accessing nicotine
products.
About Imperial Tobacco Canada
Imperial Tobacco Canada is Canada's leading tobacco and nicotine products
company and is part of the world's most international tobacco
group: BAT. BAT is a global multi-category consumer goods business,
operating in over 180 markets. At BAT, our purpose is
to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless
World.
Our vision is for A Smokeless World built on smokeless products
where, ultimately, cigarettes have become a thing of the past. A
world where smokers have migrated from cigarettes to smokeless
alternatives. A world where smokers make a Switch to
Better.
SOURCE Imperial Tobacco Canada